THE LIFE 



OF THE 



THE LIFE 



OF THE 



EEV. ROBERT NEWTON, D.D. 



BY 

THOMAS JACKSOi\. 
ii 



By the gTace of God I am what I am : and His grace which was bestowed 
upon me was not in vam ; but I labom*ed more abmidantly than they all : 
yet not I, but the gTace of God wliich vras ^Tith me. Therefore whether it 
were I or they^ so we, preach, and so ye beheved." — 1 Cor. xv. 10, 11. 



LONDON : 

PUBLISHED BY JOHN LIASON, 14, CITY-ROAD ; 

SOLD AT 66, PATERXOSTER-ROTv. 

1855. 



[entered at stationers' hall.] 




LONDON : 
PRINTED BY JAMES NICHOLS, 
HOXTON SQUARE. 



PREFACE. 



The biography of the late Dr. Xewton is not a 
subject that I should myself have chosen^ not because I 
had any doubt respecting his purity and uprightness_, or 
the propriety of placing his personal history before the 
world; but because of the difficulty of doing justice to 
a character of such rare excellence^ and to a course of 
action so peculiar and unique. But when his family 
requested me to undertake the seryice^ and their ^yislies 
"vrere seconded by several of his brethren in the 
ministry^ whom he highly esteemed^ and who were 
deeply concerned for his honour^ I felt that I ought 
not to refuse at least to make the attempt. 

But scarcely had I begun to collect materials for the 
work^ when it pleased God_, by a stroke of His pro- 
vidence^ to disqualify me for the task which I had 
undertaken. He took from me my best earthly friend^ 
who had been the wife of my youth^ the mother 
of my children^ and my ever-faithful companion and 
adviser for nearly forty-five years. The dispensation 
was^ indeed^ mingled with mercy; for^ perhaps^ few 
persons have had a more peaceful and gentle removal 
from the sufferings of this life to the joys of the 
heavenly paradise : yet such a bereavement was a sad 
reality^ and for a time rendered it impossible for me 
to proceed with my engagement. As soon as I was 
able^ I entered upon the task^ and found it to be a 
means of mental relief. It was impossible to trace the 
gradual development of such a character as that of 
Dr. Xewton, and to describe his wonderful ministry. 



iv 



PREFACE. 



without pleasurable emotions^ and even spiritual profit. 
Yet^ after all^ the state of my own feelings may have 
thrown an air of pensiveness over some parts of the 
narrative ; and if so^ the candid reader^, it is hoped, 
will excuse and forgive it. The whole has been written 
under an impressive view of the brevity of life, and of 
the inestimable value of that personal faith in Christ 
crucified, which secures peace to the conscience, and 
purity to the heart, and which prepares mankind alike 
to meet the trials and sorrows that inevitably await 
them in this world, and to enjoy the endless happiness 
of the heavenly state. 

The materials for the Life of Dr. Newton have been 
found to be far more rich and ample than they were 
apprehended to be. Knowing that his was a course of 
incessant activity, I concluded that he kept no daily 
journal of his proceedings, and that his correspondence 
consisted of scarcely anything but laconic answers to 
applications for ministerial service. In this I have 
been pleasingly disappointed. He did not, indeed, keep 
any journal, except during the time of his visit to 
America; but his letters to Mrs. Newton, which he 
\^ rote when he spent any considerable time from home, 
and which she kindly placed at my disposal, I found 
to be singularly copious and interesting. They contain 
valuable sketches of his public labours, and disclose, 
with unreserved and admii'able simplicity, the feelings 
of his heart, while he was engaged in a course of labour 
which astonished the world. They show the conscien- 
tious fidelity with which he endeavoured to prosecute 
his ministry, and the anxious feeling of responsibility 
with which he contemplated his ever-growing popu- 
larity, and the consequent influence which, from day to 



PREFACE . 



V 



day^ lie liad over immense masses of people. His 
letters also place his domestic character in a light the 
most amiable and attractive. ]\Iany persons who have 
been accustomed to regard him only as the eloquent 
orator^, the popular Preacher^ and the nnTrearied advo- 
cate of ^Missions to the Heathen^ will here see him as 
the kind husband^ and the tenderly-affectionate father, 
whose yearnings for the conversion and salvation of his 
childi^en were deep and incessant. 

To the TVesleyan Ministers^ and various other friends 
of Dr. Newton^ who have kindly allowed me the use 
of documents in their possession^ or have forwai'ded 
to me facts illustrative of his character and history^ 
my very cordial thanks are due^ and are respectfully 
tendered. Then' names are^ for the most part^ intro- 
duced into the narrative. But for these valuable com- 
munications^ the Life of this very eminent man would 
have been far less perfect than it now appears. 

I cannot forbear to express the satisfaction I feel 
in placing before the Christian Church,, and especially 
the Wesleyan section of it^ this record of the life 
and labours of Dr. Robert Newton; a man who was 
adorned with every wtue_, and whose eminent abili- 
ties^ through a long life^ were directed to the one 
object of promoting the spiritual good of manldnd^ 
and that to the widest possible extent. His fidelity 
as a Methodist Preacher was perhaps never sm^passed. 
Mr. T\^esley declared it to be his belief, that God^s 
design in raising up the Methodists as a distinct com- 
munity^ was not to secure any party interests^ but 
to rouse a slumbering nation^ and call its attention 
to Christian godliness in its vitahty and power; and 

A 2 



vi 



PEEFACE. 



at the close of Ms life lie made certain important 
arrangements^ tlie object of which was^ as he expresses 
it^ ^''to fix them upon such a foundation as is likely 
to stand as long as the sun and moon endure;'^ pro- 
vided they continue to walk by faith^ and show forth 
their faith by their works/' 

None of Mi\ Wesley^s sons in the Gospel ever 
entered more folly into these views than Dr. Newton. 
He had in him nothing of a sectarian spirit^ and much 
less had he any of its bitterness ; but his attachment 
to his own people^ and to theii' ecclesiastical order^ was 
conscientious and unwavering. All his energies were 
devoted to the advancement of spiritual religion^ — the 
life of God in the soul of man^ — the kingdom^^ which 
is not meat and drink ; but righteousness^ and peace^ 
and joy in the Holy Ghost The various arrange- 
ments and institutions of Wesleyan Methodism he 
knew from experience and extensive observation to be 
well adapted to foster and advance this great purpose ; 
and hence^ when^ a few years ago^ the tide of innova- 
tion set in against the Wesleyan economy^ he acted as 
its meek but faithful guardian ; anxious that it should 
retain its spiritual character^ and be transmitted to 
posterity in unimpaired efficiency; so that^ according 
to the design of its venerable Founder^ generations yet 
unborn might share in its benefits. In spirit he was 
gentle as a child^ but in the cause of righteousness and 
truth he was a pattern of manliness and decision. In 
this and in other respects he has bequeathed to his 
brethren and successors in the Wesleyan Ministry an 
example which is scarcely less valuable than the 
services of his long and active life. 

Richmond^ March l&th, 1855. T. J, 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Pages. 

Mr. LSD Mrs. Xe^on of Roxby — Their Conversion — Godly Zeal — 
Their Family — Early Life of their Son Robert — John Jackson, 
R.A. — Robert's religious Awakening — His subsequent State of 
Mind — His deep religious Convictions — Obtains Peace with God 
— Begins to preach — His general Acceptance 1-17 

CHAPTER II. 

Robert Xewton's Appointment to the Pockhngton Circuit — Adventures 
on his "Way thither — His Appearance and eaily Ministry — Village 
Preaching — The Rev. Thomas Dixon — Robert's Discouragements 
— John Hart — Robert's Appointment to the Howden Circuit — 
The Rev. Joseph Sutcliffe — State of the Howden Circuit — Robert's 
Preaching — Prench Preachers — Rev. Barnabas Shaw — ]Mr. Thomp- 
son of Armin — Mr. Xewton's ^Marriage — Letters to his Sister — 
Takes the Measles 18-87 

CHAPTER III. 

Mr. Xewtox's Admission into full Connexion ^"ith the Conference — 
Messrs. Benson, Clarke, Bradburn, Dr. Coke, Joseph Bradford — 
Mr. Xewton removes to the Glasgow Circuit — Effect of his 
Preaching — His Advantages in the City — Tisits Stirling and Ayr 
— Humble Accommodations — Popularity at Stirling — Proposal 
to him that he should become an Independent Minister — Visit 
to a Scottish Village — Letters to his Sister Ann — Pailure of his 
Health — Attends the London Conference — Rebuke from !Mr. 
Benson 38-52 

CHAPTER IV. 

Appointed to the Rotherham Circuit— Rev. John Crook— Mrs. Joseph 
Collier— Mr. Xewton's Popularity and Usefulness— Erection of a 
A 3 



viii 



CONTENTS. 



Pages. 

new Chapel at Rotlierliam — Rev. Jolin S. Pipe — Mr. Newton's 
Removal to Sheffield — Rev. John Barber — Rev. Peter Haslam — - 
Mr. Newton's great Usefulness — Rev. WiUiam Smith — Mr. New- 
ton a Means of checking Infidelity — Friendship between him 
and Mr. Bnnting — Removal to the Huddersfield Circuit — Case 
of Mr. Wilson — Proposal that Mr. Newton should become a 
Clergyman — Letter from the Rev. Thomas Taylor — Rev. John 
Kershaw — Mr. Newton preaches before the Conference — Removal 
to the Holmfirth Circuit — Notices concerning him, by the Rev. 
John Brown — Ofiicially appointed to preach before the Confer- 
ence — Opposes the Luddites 53-74 

CHAPTER V. 

Mr. Newton removes to London — The Liturgy — Popularity of his 
Preaching — Mr. Butterworth — The Bible Society — Dr. Coke's 
departure for India — Restoration of Peace between France and 
England — Letter to the Rev. William Smith — Mr. Newi:on's 
removal to the Wakefield Circuit — Increasing Popularity — Com- 
mencement of his Career as an Advocate of Missions — Noble Zeal 
of the Methodists in the Mission Cause — Messrs. Bunting, Wat- 
son, and Newton — Letter from Mr. Watson — Death of Mr. New- 
ton's Father — Letter to his Mother — Bible Society at Wakefield 
— Mr. Newton preaches before the Conference in London — 
Assists at the Opening of a new Chapel in Lincoln — Conversion 
of a Medical Practitioner 75-93 

CHAPTER VI. 

Mk. Newton removes to Liverpool — Travels extensively to preach 
occasional Sermons — Democratic Riots in Manchester — Letter to 
Mr. Turner of Derby — Erection of the Grosvenor-street Chapel 
in Manchester — Mr. Newton's removal to Manchester — Spirit of 
Insubordination among the People— Mr. Newton guarded by a 
large Dog — Case of the Rev. Robert Young — Mr. Newton is made 
the Secretary of the Conference — Visits Ireland for the first Time 
— Letter to Mr. W^augh — Attends the Irish Conference — Visits 
Cornwall to assist at Missionary Anniversaries — Letter to Mrs. 
Newton — Attends Missionary Meetings at Manchester and Lon- 
don — Attends the Conference in Sheffield — Declines to go to 



CONTENTS. 



ix 



Pages. 

America — Rev. Jolm Emory — Removes to tL.e Salford Circuit — 
Elected President of tlie Conference — Letter to liis Sister on the 
Occasion of her Marriage — Letter to Mr. Turner — Mr. Xewton is 
seized vdih. hilions 'Eever — Letter to his Sister, announcing his 
Piecovery — Death of his Mother — Opinion concerning hired Local 
Preachers 94-113 



CHAPTER YII. 

Mk. Newton's removal to Liverpool — Extraordinary Demand for his 
Services — Incident at a Love-feast — Death of Mr. Butterworth — 
Mr. Newton's Speech on the Suhject — Missionary Liberality in 
Liverpool — Letter from Mr. ^Yatson concerning the Opening of a 
Chapel — Conversion of an Infidel in Derby — Presentation of 
silver Plate to Mr. Newton by the Derby Trustees — His Letter 
on the Subject — His Night -Travelling to fulfil his Appoint- 
ments — His Conduct in his own CiiTuit — Is elected President of 
the Conference a second Time — Cholera in Liverpool — Prayer- 
Meeting with respect to it — Death of ^Mrs. Newton's !Mother — 
Affecting ^lortality among the Y'esleyan Ministers — Dr. Clarke, 
Mr. Thomas Stanley, Mr. John James, Mr. Y'atson — Mr. Newton 
removes to Manchester — A Junior Minister is appointed to take 
his Places on the Week-days — He serves the Connexion gene- 
rally — Incident connected ^-ith his Travelling — Letter to Dr. 
Beecham — Remarkable Missionary Meeting at Foxholes — Mr. 
Bedford's Statement respecting the general Habits of Mr. Newton 
at this Time lU-135 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Spieit of Innovation, Political and Ecclesiastical — Attempt of a Young 
Preacher to engage the Methodists in a Scheme of Agitation for 
the Separation between the Church and the State — Mr. Newton's 
Interference, as the Chairman of the Manchester District — 
Decision of the Conference in the Case — "\Yesleyan Theological 
Institution — Factious Opposition to it raised by Dr. W. and his 
Party — Interference of !Mr. Newton in his Office as Chairman of 
the District — The Doctor suspended iU the Conference — Fidelity 
of the Trustees of the Chapels — The Doctor appeals to the Comi; 



X 



CONTENTS. 



Pages. 

of Chancery — Sir Charles Wetherell — Decision ag^nst the Doctor 
hj the Vice- Chancellor — Mr Newton's Self- Possession and 
Pidelity — Injurious Consequences of these Agitations — Dr. W. 
appeals to the Lord Chancellor — Sir Charles "Wetherell again — 
Confirmation of the Vice- Chancellor's Decision by Lord Lyndhurst 
— Importance of these Decisions — Anniversary of the Wesley an 
Missionary Society — Mr. Newton's Speech — Persecution of Mr. 
Newton by Dr. "W.'s Party — His exemplary Meekness — Dangerous 
Dlness in Scotland — Kindness of Mrs. and Miss Drummond— Mr. 
Newton's Letter to his Children — His Recovery — Sheffield Con- 
ference of 1835 — Dr. Bunting's Address on Church Principles — 
Dr. W.'s Expulsion — Mr. Newton's Letter to Mrs. Drummond and 
her Daughter 136-165 

CHAPTER IX. 

Mfi. Newton's Appointment to Leeds — He visits Boulogne — Letter to 
Mrs. Newton — Anecdote of an inquisitive Lady — Letter to Mrs. 
Newton from the Irish Conference of 1836 — Mr. Newton's Labours 
at this Period — Testimonies of Messrs. Young, Barton, and Smith — 
Letters to Mrs. Newton — Illuess of Miss Rebecca Newton — Mr. 
Newton's Visit to Cornwall in the Spring of 1837 — Letter to Mrs. 
Newton — Letter from the Irish Conference — English Conference 
of 1837 — Irish Conference of 1838 — Letter from Dublin to 
Mrs. Newton — Celebration of the Centenary of Methodism — Cen- 
tenary Meeting in Manchester — Extraordinary Liberality connected 
with the Movement — Mr. Newton's services in Connexion with 
it — Letter to Mrs. Newton from Edinburgh— The Centenary 
Conference 166-185 

CHAPTER X. 

Mr. Newton is requested to attend the General Conference in 
America, as the Representative of his English Brethren — Consent 
of Mrs. Newton — He engages to go — Singular Scene in a Mission- 
ary Meeting at Bridlington Quay — Mr. Entwisle writes to Mr. 
Newton on the Subject of his Visit to America — Embarkation, 
with Mr. Joseph Souter as his Companion — Change of the Wind 
while he was praying — His EeUow-Passengers — He is injured by a 
EaU upon the Deck of the Ship — Remarkable Conversion of one of 



CONTENTS. 



xi 



Pages. 

the Passengers — American Pilot — Mr. Xewton lands at New- 
York — Preaches in the Evening of the same Day — Attends a 
Missionary Meeting — His Popularity — Notice concerning him in 
. a Newspaper — Preaches at Philadelphia — Cmions Mistake of the 
Choir — "\Yhitefield and TTesley — Journey fi'om Philadelphia to 
Baltimore — Opening of the General Conference — Respect shown 
to Mr. Newton — He preaches on the Sunday Morning, and in the 
Afternoon, to upwards of ten thousand People — Three Infidels 
converted — Mr. Newton addresses the Conference concerning 
Slavery — He preaches before the Conference with extraordinary 
Effect — He preaches to the Blacks — Preaches before the Con- 
gress — Respect that is shown him — He attends the Anniversary 
of the American Bible Society — Description of him and his 
Preaching, in a ^Yashington Newspaper — Letter to his Family in 
England — Affecting Departiu'e from the Conference 186-215 

CHAPTER XI. 

Mr. New^ton returns to New-York — Extraordinary Popularity of his 
Preaching — He visits various Places, where he preaches success- 
fully — He returns to New-York — His farewell Service — Public 
Address to him, by Dr. Bangs — Affecting Separation from his 
American Friends — Voyage to England — A Sailor lost — Mr. 
Newton's kind Thoughtfulness for Mr. Souter — He arrives in 
Liverpool — Attends the Conference in Newcastle, and is elected 
a third Time to fill the Presidential Chair — Letters to his Family 
— He receives the Thanks of the Conference for his Services in 
America — Visits Cornwall in the Spring of 1841 for Missionary 
Purposes — Letters to Mrs. Newton — His Services in connexion 
with the Anniversary of the Wesleyan Missionary Society — Letter 
from Cork — Mr. Barrett's Testimony as to Mr. Newton's Cha- 
racter and Labours in the Leeds Circuit — Conference in Man- 
chester 216-239 

CHAPTER XII. 

Me. Newton's Removal to the Manchester First Circuit — A handsome 
Compliment paid to him by an aged Lady — The Illness and Death 
of his Daughter Mary Anne — Letters to Mrs. Newton — His Chris- 
tian Resignation — Character of his Daughter — Death of a Grandson 



xii 



CONTENTS. 



Pages. 

— I^etter to Mr. and Mrs. Gill on the Occasion — Letter to Mrs. 
Newton — Sympathy of his Brethren — Visits the Channel Islands 
— Letter to Mrs. Ne^vton — Letter to his Daughter Rebecca — He 
visits Scotland — Letter to Mrs. Newton from Edinburgh — He 
preaches for Mr. BrowTi at Dalkeith — Attends the Irish Conference 
— Letter from Dublin to Mrs, Ne^i;on — Attends the Sheffield 
Conference of 1843 — Letter to Mrs. Newton — Is made Doctor 
of Divinity by Diploma from the Wesleyan University of 
Middletown 240-257 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Anniversary of the Wesleyan Missionary Society in 1843 — ^Dr. Newton 
preaches for the London Missionary Society in the Surrey Chapel — 
Attends a Missionary Meeting at PocMington — John Hart — Ap- 
pointment to the Salford Circuit — Letter to Mrs. Newton from the 
Birmingham Conference — Testimony of the Rev. William B. Ste- 
phenson as to Dr. Newton's Character and Conduct — Singular Scene 
in a Missionary Meeting in the Irwell-Street Chapel — Letter to Mrs. 
Perkins — Letter to Robert Townend, Esq., from the Bristol Con= 
ference of 1846 — Letter to Miss Drummond from Dundee — Letter 
from Mr. Harrison of Gainford respecting Dr. Newton — Journey 
in a Snow- Storm — Letter to Mrs. Newton from Dublin— Letter 
from Belfast — Liverpool Conference of 184? — Vile Attempt to 
ruin Dr. Newton's Character and Usefulness by anonymous Slander 
— Appointment to the Stockport North Circuit — Letter to Mrs. 
Newton — Letter to Mrs. Perkins on the Death of her Son — 
Letter to Mrs. Newton from Dublin — The HuU Conference of 
1848 — Dr. Newton's fom-th Election to the Ofhce of President of 
the Conference — Elements of Evil displayed in the Conference — 
Letter to Mrs. Newton— Visit to Scotland ....258-282 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Manchester Conference of 1849 — Death of Mr. Batty — Letter to 
Mrs. Newton — Anonymous Slanderers — Johnson's Character of 
Junius — Expulsion of three Men from the AVesleyan Ministry— 
The Principles upon which Mr. Wesley acted — Importance of 
Union among the Wesleyan Ministers — The Act of Expulsion 



CONTENTS. 



xm 



Pages. 

defended — The Assailants of Methodism, and their Success — 
Letter to Robert ToT^nend, Esq. — Dr. Xe^rton's Diligence — Letter 
to the Rev. Thomas TTangh — Opening of a new Chax:)el at Garn- 
diffaith — London Conference of 1850 — Letter to Mrs. Xe^rton — 
Death of the Rev. John Chettle — Dr. Xewton's Appointment to 
the Livei-pool South Circuit — Letter to Mr. and I^L-s. Ingoldby — 
Meeting at Stockport to present a Portrait of Dr. Xewton to his 
Pamily — Address to him — Dr. X^ewton's Answer — Loyalty to 
Methodism 253-315 



CHAPTER XV. 

L'RE of Dr. Xewton's Health — Serious Illness at Mirfield — Pro- 
vidential Interposition — Letter to Z\Ir. and ]Mrs. Dawson — Death 
of Mrs. Ireland — Letter to Mr. Prancis Xewton. and to another 
Friend — Letter to Mrs. Xewton from Dublin — Xewcastle Con- 
ference of 1851 — Letters to Mrs. Xewton — Decay of Dr. Xewton's 
Health — Testimonial Fund — Letters to ]\Ii\ Edward Corderoy — 
Letter fi'om Dr. Bunting — Meeting of the Subscribers to the 
Testimonial Fund — Dr. Bunting's Address — Addi'ess of Dr. Xew- 
ton — Letter to Mrs. X'ewton — Liverpool District-Meeting — Shef- 
field Conference of 1852 — Dr. Xewton's Visit to Derby — Letters 
to Mrs. Xewton — Dr. Xewton becomes a Supernumerary ]\Iinis- 
ter — Resolution of the Conference on the Occasion — Remi- 
niscences of Dr. Xewton by the Rev. AVilliam M. Bunting ...31G-347 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Xewton's Settlement at Southport — He declines an Invitation to 
preach at Boston — Letter to Jacob Owen, Esq. — Letter fi^om 
Derby — ^A'isits Grantham, &c. — Letter to ]\Irs. Xewton — Last 
Sermon in the City-Road Chapel, London— Speech in the Mis- 
sionary Meeting in Exeter Hall — Inability to attend the Irish 
Conference — Letter to Mr. Vaugh — Resolution of the Irish 
Conference — The Bradford Conference of 1853 — Dr. Beecham's 
Testimony as to Dr. Xewton's Spirit and Demeanour — Letter to 
AVilliam Valker, Esq. — Declining Health — Letter to ^Ir. and 
Mrs. Ingoldby on the Death of their eldest Son— Dr. Xewton's 
last public Sernce 318-384 



xiv CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Pages. 

Dr. Newton's Removal to Easingwold — Interview with the Rev. 
John Rossell — Conversation with Mr. Tetley — His last Letter, 
addressed to Mr. Turner — Sudden Loss of Sight — He is seized 
with Paralysis — Dying Sayings — His Death and Paneral— Puneral 
Sermons on the Occasion — Resolutions of the Wesleyan Mission- 
ary Committee — Character of Dr. Newton, by the Methodist 
Conference 365-388 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Dr. Newton's Personal Appearance — Mental Character — Deep and 
permanent Piety — His Character as a Son — A Husband — A 
Eather — A Master — His Character as a Preacher — Voice — S elf- 
Possession— Elocution — His Preaching strictly evangelical — 
Instructive — Convincing — Practical — His great Success — Anec- 
dote of his Preaching at Middleton — His Sermons diver- 
sified as to their Eorm — His Preaching always related to 
Salvation— Often preached on the same Text — His Diction 
thoroughly English — His Eminence as a Preacher attained 
by Study and Labour — Cultivated the Gift of Prayer — 
His Zeal and Eidelity as a Eriend of Missions — Progress 
of the Wesleyan Missions — His cathoKc Spirit — Scene on 
a Missionary Platform at Scarborough — Dr. Abraham Taylor 
on Churchmen and Dissenters — Dr. Newton's Popularity — His 
Peeling of Responsibility in reference to it — Humility and 
Modesty — His singular Prudence — Conversational Powers — His 
Attachment to Methodism — Its Doctrines — Its Discipline — The 
Connexional Principle — His Labours for Methodism— Anecdote 
of his Visit to an obscure Village — His patient Sufferings for 
Methodism — His noble Eirmness in the Maintenance of his 
Methodistic Trust — His Single-Mindedness — Two illustrative 
Anecdotes — Howard — The Esteem in which he was held by his 
own Brethren and People — His Respect for the Poor — Encou- 
ragement to be derived from his Example and Success 389-427 



THE LIFE 

or THE 

REV. ROBERT NEWTON, D.D. 



CHAPTER I. 

In the last centurj; and the beginning of the present, 
there lived a couple^ upon whom it pleased God, in the 
dispensations of His pro^ddence and grace, to bestow many 
rich and substantial blessings, such as are not vouchsafed 
to the generahty of mankind. They bore the names of 
Francis and Anne Newton. He was born in the year 
1732, Old Style, and she about eleven years later. Her 
maiden name was Booth. They were both of yeoman 
descent, and were an honour to the class of people to 
which they belonged. They were tall, comely, and well- 
favoured in their personal appearance ; each of them 
possessed a sound and vigorous understanding ; and in 
respect of intelligence they surpassed the greater part of 
their contemporaries of the same rank in Hfe. They occu- 
pied a farm at Eoxby, a hamlet on the sea-coast, between 
Whitby and Guisborough, in the North Eiding of York- 
shire, where they spent their time in honest industry, 
remote from the gay and fashionable world, from the 
anxieties of commerce, and from the smoke and din of 
mining and manufacturing operations ; the soil which they 

B 



LIFE 0? THE 



cultivated, and the flocks which they reared and tended, 
supplying them with the necessaries and conveniences of 
life. He loved the sports of the field, was of a social spi- 
rit, possessed some knowledge of music, relished what was 
called a good song,^^ and was therefore a frequent guest 
at convivial parties in his own neighbourhood; but she 
was rather sedate in her temper and habits. Yet they 
were not happy; for they knew nothing of godliness but 
its form. They said their prayers, they attended the pub- 
lic worship of God in the parish church, and occasionally 
received the supper of the Lord : but they knew not God 
as the God of pardoning mercy ; they did not " worship 
Him in spirit and in truth ;^^ nor were they delivered from 
the power of their evil nature by the grace of the Holy 
Spirit. These were subjects of which they had no just 
conception, any more than their neighbours. 

The rehgious history of Mr. and Mrs. Newton suggests 
an impressive view of the aggressive and missionary cha- 
racter of Wesleyan Methodism. It was the persuasion of 
the Founder of the system, that he and his fellow-labourers 
were raised up neither to overthrow the Established Church, 
nor to root out Dissent, but to spread scriptural holiness 
tlirough the land. In this sentiment they were aU agreed ; 
and therefore waited not tiU ignorant multitudes should 
apply to them for instruction, and profligate transgressors 
should inquire of them the way of life and salvation. 
They rather forced an entrance into neighbourhoods where 
wickedness abounded, warning the people of their danger, 
calling them to repentance, and pointing them to ^^the 
Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.^^ 

Some of these faithful and seK-denying men found their 
way to Eoxby, where their services were greatly needed. 



EEY. EGBERT XEWTOX, D.D. 3 

Among the foremost of them was the Eev. James Eogers^ 
who was a personal friend of the venerable Wesley^ and 
the husband of Hester Ann Eogers^ whose biography and 
devotional writings have long been deservedly popular^ 
and extensively useful. Public rumour laid many and 
grievous complaints to the charge of these enterprising 
strangers: yet Mr. Xewton^ urged mainly by curiosity^ 
ventured to hear them. Mr. Eogers requested permission 
to preach in the house of Mr. Xewton. Tiiis was denied^ 
but he was allowed to pray \vitli the family ; and it was 
not long before still greater favour was shown to the 
unpopular cause of Methodism. The Eev. John King 
came to Eoxby^ expecting to preach in a barn^ which 
appears to have been promised ; but when the time came^ 
the promise was revoked^ and Mr. Xewton^ seeing the 
Preacher and the congregation disappointed^ offered them 
the use of his house ; for he and Mrs. Xewton both began 
to feel the force of Di\ane truths and to perceive that they 
needed something to which they were strangers^ in order 
to their safety and happiness. At tliis time some fiiend 
placed in their hands the incomparable J ournal of John 
jN"elson by the reading of which^ in connexion with the 
faithful ministry of God^s word^ they were deeply con- 
vinced of their guilty^ miserable^ perilous^ and helpless 
condition, as sinners in the sight of God. Their con- 
sciences were alarmed, and theK hearts became contrite; 
they found trouble and sorrow for they could neither 
divest themselves of their guilty fear, nor overcome the 
evils of their fallen nature. They had formerly thought 
favourably of themselves ; but they now painfully felt that 
they feU immensely short of the truly Christian character. 
In this state they betook themselves to prayer, especially 

B 2 



4 



LIEE OF THE 



secret prayer, imploring the mercy of God througli the 
sacrifice of Christ. They wept, and made supplication, 
trusting alone in the atonement and intercession of their 
compassionate Saviour ; and in this manner they received 
the salvation of God, consisting in the kindred blessings of 
justification, and a new and holy nature. Their con- 
sciences were now at rest, and their hearts the seat of 
heavenly affections ; and hence they entered upon a course 
of consistent and active piety, their entire spirit and 
demeanour proving that they had passed from death unto 
life, and were new creatures in Christ Jesus. Feeling 
every hour the mighty benefits of the change which had 
passed upon them, they were thankful for the instru- 
mentality by which they had been brought into the way of 
righteousness and peace : they were warmly attached to the 
doctrine and discipline of the Methodist body, and conti- 
nued so to the end of their lives. 

Pitying their ungodly neighbours, and feeling in them- 
selves an earnest desire to honour Christ, by the spread of 
His truth, and the extension of His kingdom, they requested 
the Methodist Preachers of the Whitby Circuit to include 
Eoxby in their plan of labour, offering to them and their 
horses suitable accommodation, and proposing that the 
largest room in their house should be used for the regular 
ministration of the word of life. The invitation was 
accepted ; and a plain, earnest sermon was henceforth deh- 
vered once a fortnight in the farm-house on a week-day 
evening, where many of the peasants, men and women^ 
were accustomed to hear the saving truths of the Gospel. 
When these simple and unpretending services were begun, 
neither Mr. and Mrs. Newton, nor the Preachers who 
visited them, had any adequate apprehension of the vast 



HEY. EOBEET XETTTOX, D.D. 



5 



results to which thej would ultimately lead. A class was 
soon formed^ of which Mr. Xewton became the devoted 
and efficient Leader. 

His pious zeal was not confined to his own immediate 
neighbourhood. At a distance of two miles from his resi- 
dence was a large and populous ^'illage^ in which there was 
no place of worship^ and where ungodliness and sin^ as 
might be expected^ were generally prevalent. Here Ylw 
Newton hired a large room^ for the purpose of rehgious 
worship; and the place was regularly supplied by the 
Travelling and Local Preachers of the ^Yhitby Ch-cuit^ Mr. 
Newton and a friend of kindred spirit bearing the expense 
from year to year. He also took the charge of the class 
which was formed there ; and held a public ser\ice^ once a 
fortnight, for the benefit of the people, praying with them, 
reading and expounding the holy Scriptures, weeping over 
those who would not be reclaimed, and exerting himself, in 
every possible way, to promote their conversion and salva- 
tion. Though he and the pious few who were associated 
^vith him were often hooted as they passed along the 
streets, and saluted vdth stones and brickbats, yet they 
found an ample reward in the peace which they possessed in 
their own consciences, and in the growing success of their 
labours ; for, though many refused to be reclaimed, others 
received the word in the love of the truth, and became 
at once examples of spiritual enjoyment and of holy living. 

Mr. and Mrs. Newton were greatly blessed with respect 
to their offspring, ha™g six sons and two daughters, all 
of whom became examples of Christian godhness, and four 
of their sons remarkable for their talents and usefulness as 
Ministers of the Gospel. The following are the names of 
the gifted children whom God graciously gave to them, 

B 3 



6 



LIFE OF THE 



and over whom their hearts yearned with parental joy and 
affection: — Booth, (who was born February 24th, 1768,) 
Mary, Francis, Thomas, Ann, Robert, Jacob, and John; 
of whom only Francis and Thomas now remain. The rest 
have followed their parents to the world of spirits. 

Booth, the firstborn of Mr, and Mrs. Newton, was in 
very early life made a partaker of God^s mercy in Jesns 
Christ, and was accepted by Mr. Wesley, as an Itinerant 
Preacher, in the year 1790. He was a man of noble bear- 
ing, of portly mien, with a powerful and commanding voice, 
and was greatly respected for his talents as a Preacher; 
but his ministerial career was comparatively short. He 
sickened and died in the midst of his labours and strength. 

Robert was born September 8th, 1780, and was dedi- 
cated to God, in the sacrament of baptism, on the 11th of 
the same month. Early in life he manifested a fine, 
sprightly disposition, and distinguished himseE as an ener- 
getic and fearless boy. He was a great favourite with his 
mother, who had an impression (not very uncommon, per- 
haps, among mothers) that he would attain to eminence in 
future years ; and it is gratifying to know, that both she 
and her husband lived to witness his popularity and useful- 
ness. Before he was ten years of age, he was accustomed 
to walk two miles, in the morning and afternoon, to a 
village school, which was conducted by a man of the name 
of Foster, who may be taken as a fair specimen of the 
country Schoolmasters of those times. He could teach 
children to read and write, and to understand the elements 
of grammar and arithmetic; and it was not long before 
this worthy pedagogue had the indiscretion to confess, 
among his pot-companions at an ale-house, ^^That lad, 
Robert Newton, has learned all that I am able to teach.'^^ 



HEY. HOBEET NEWTON^ D.D. 



7 



This speech was reported to the father^ who immediately 
took his son home, and set him to work upon the farm. 
In the subsequent years of his life, Eobert often referred 
to his early performances as a farmer^s boy. He milked 
the cows, fetched home the geese in the evening, counted 
the sheep to see that none were missing, followed the 
plough, and rode the horse to a neighbouring to^Ta for 
seed-corn in the season of spring. One of his companions 
of the same age, who is still Kving, used to walk by his 
side for hours together, when he was ploughing the fields, 
listening to his lively conversation, and to his recitals of 
poetry, ample stores of which he had committed to 
memory. He also exercised his ingenuity in the con- 
struction of a flute, upon which he learned to play, as 
an amusement in his leisure hours. At the age of 
eleven years he rode to Wliitby, to receive confirmation at 
the hands of the Archbishop of York. 

Among Robertas acquaintance, at this period of his Hfe, 
was John Jackson, who afterwards became one of the most 
distinguished artists of his age, and a Member of the Eoyal 
Academy. He was the son of a village tailor, and for a 
time followed his father^s occupation, — making and repair- 
ing garments for the farmers and peasantry in that part of 
Yorkshire. Yet, even then, the love of art predominated 
in his mind ; and he not unfrequently attempted to sketch 
the features of his friend Eobert. One of these early 
efforts of his pencil is still preserved in the family, and is 
said to be an excellent Kkeness. Nobody then suspected 
the eminence to which these two country lads would attain 
by the force of their own talents and genius. Jackson^s 
abihties were called forth under the kind patronage of an 
Enghsh nobleman: the latent powers of young Ne^vton 



8 



LIFE OF THE 



were developed under the influence of Metliodism. When 
Jackson was in the height of his popularity in London^ as 
a portrait-painter, his friend Newton, who was equally dis- 
tinguished as a pubUc speaker, often remarked that he had 
once coaxed the young artist to make him a waistcoat; 
and when they met, as they frequently did, the incidents 
connected with their boyish intercourse were to them a 
source of endless amusement."^ 

Prom August, 1792, to August, 1793, the Eev. John 
Kershaw, then a young man, occupied the place of second 
Preacher in the "Whitby Circuit, and regularly visited 
Eoxby once a month, being entertained by Mr. and Mrs. 
jNTewton, and ministering the word of Hfe under their roof. 
After hearing him preach, Mr. Newton once said to him, 
the tears starting from his eyes, ^^I know not how it is; 
but you gentlemen show my neighbours the way of salva- 
tion, and yet they wiU not walk in it. The truth is clearly 
made known to them; but they will have none of these 
things."^^ The truth, however, which was disregarded by 
many others produced its impression upon the members of 



* Jackson was once engaged to paint a full-length portrait of the Duke of 
Wellington for some public institution, when a difference of opinion arose 
between them as to the attitude in which his Grace should stand ; and, as 
the Duke had long been accustomed to command, he would have his own way 
in this case, and the artist for the time was compelled to submit. He suc- 
ceeded, however, in drawing the Duke into an agreeable conversation, so that 
he became bland and free ; and then, with admirable tact, he said, " Your 
Grace will excuse me, but the attitude which you have chosen is exactly that 
of a Drill-Sergeant." This observation put an end to the dispute. Without 
offering another word of objection, the great General assumed the position 
which the artist recommended. It was not befitting for the conqueror of 
Bonaparte to appear as a subaltern ; and J ackson was pleased to think that 
he had overcome the hero of a hundred battles^ 



REV. EOBEET XETVTON; D.D. 



9 



his own family. His son Robert was then a well-groT\TL 
boy^ tall^ ingenuous^ intelligent^ and active ; and he usually 
slept with Mr. Kershaw in these monthly \'isits. Mr. 
Kershaw greatly admired him^ cherished towards him a 
strong affection^ and earnestly desired his salvation. I 
took the opportunity/^ says he^ in a letter which he 
addressed to the writer of this narrative^ ^^of impressing 
upon his youthful mind the truths which I had been 
peaching, and enforced the necessity of salvation through 
faith in Clirisfs atonement. These conversations had, 
through the blessing of God, their desired effect upon 
his mind. He wept, aud earnestly prayed that God 
would have mercy upon him, so as to pardon his sins, and 
bestow upon him the blessing of a new heart. One of liis 
sisters, also, a remarkably fine and clever young woman, 
was, at the same time, deeply affected in the same manner, 
and gave signs of sincere repentance. He often afterwards 
called me his spiritual father, — an honour which I much 
wonder should have been assigned to me.''"' 

This appears to have been the time of his first rehgious 
awakening; and the sorrowful convictions of the evil and 
danger of sin, of which he then gave decisive evidence, 
exerted a powerful influence upon his mind long after- 
wards. He became an attentive hearer of sermons, 
and showed a maturity of judgment, with respect to 
evangelical truth, wliich was surprising in a boy of his 
tender age. He believed that he should not only be a 
converted and pious man, but a Methodist Preacher, and 
turned his attention to the structure and composition of 
sermons. A letter which he wrote to a well-disposed 
youth, when he had himself become an aged man, places 
in a striking light the predominant feeling of his heart, 



10 



LIFE OF THE 



and the maturity of judgment of whicli lie was possessed^ 
at this early period of his life. The letter bears the date 
of August 8th^ 1849, — the time of the Manchester Confer- 
ence. It is as foUows : — 

^^1 Tim. ii. 4: ^Who will have all men to be saved/ 
and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.'' 

"i. What are we here to understand by ^the truth ?^ 

^^ii. "What is intended by ^the knowledge of the truth ?^ 

^^iii. What is the salvation consequent upon the know- 
ledge of the truth ? 

iv. What reason have we to believe that God wills the 
salvation of all men ? 

^^My dear David,— The above is the first outline of a 
sermon I ever attempted. I was then from ten to twelve 
years of age. I had then an impression that I should 
some time be in the Wesleyan ministry. I have now had 
a place in that ministry during the lapse of fifty years. 
Who can tell what is before you? The Lord direct you 

Yet, notwithstanding these convictions, and even aspira- 
tions to the ministerial oSice, he underwent various 
changes, both in respect of his outward circumstances, and 
the state of his mind and heart, before he attained to the 
truly Christian character, and was called to labour in the 
word and doctrine. 

He was apprenticed to Mr. Ealph Sigsworth, of Stokes- 
ley, who appears to have carried on the business of a 
draper, a grocer, and a druggist ; but the confinement of a 
shop neither accorded with his health, nor with the irre- 
pressible desire which he cherished for a greater amount of 
muscular action. His spirits began to droop, and his 
strength to fail. His kind and considerate master, there- 
fore, gave him the indenture by which he was bound, and 



EEV. EOBEKT KEWTON^ D.D. 



11 



allowed him to return to his father^s farm^ where he found 
employment more congenial with his constitution^ and the 
habits which he had formed. 

After his return to his father^s house, his heart was 
not at rest, for he did not love God ; and in the absence 
of that heavenly principle there is no real enjoyment, let a 
man^s outward circumstances be what they may. As he 
advanced in his teens, he betrayed that restlessness which 
is always consequent upon alienation from God, especially 
when the conscience is awakened, and the invitations of 
the Gospel are not cordially accepted. At one time he 
was inclined to entertain the infidel notions of Paine, which 
then engaged the public attention; but this fact he did 
not dare to disclose in the presence of his father. Then 
his imagination was fired by the stirring accounts of mili- 
tary valour which the public papers contained^ and the 
invasion with which England was menaced by the Re- 
publicans of France; he enrolled himself with a com- 
pany of volunteers, and learned the sword-exercise; and 
then his heart was set upon entering into the regular 
army. Yet the authority of his father over him was 
complete ; and by that authority the wayward youth was 
effectually restrained from his purpose. 

And now, at length, the designs of God with respect to 
this interesting young man were disclosed. The years 1797 
and 1798 were seasons of great spiritual prosperity to the 
Wesleyan body. Extensive revivals of religion took place ; 
and the Whitby Circuit, where the family of the Newtons 
Uved, was favoured with rich effusions of Divine influ- 
ence, in consequence of which many wanderers from God 
were reclaimed, large accessions were made to the Societies, 
"believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes 



12 



LIFE OF THE 



both of men and women/^ During tliis season of special 
visitation Eobert Newton was made a partaker of the sal- 
vation from sin which the Gospel reveals^ and fully entered 
upon the enjoyments^ the duties^ and the conflicts of the 
Christian life. 

In his case^ no particular instrumentahty was em- 
ployed in re\dving the gracious convictions which he 
had formerly experienced in connexion with the preaching 
and conversation of Mr. Kershaw. He saw the people 
press^ in gi-eat numbers^ to his father^s house^ to hear the 
Gospel^ and to unite in prayer ; he witnessed the sorrow of 
penitent sinners^ the joy of the young converts^ and the 
godly zeal of those who had long known the Lord. Along 
with many others^ his sister Mary was made happy in 
God; and as she went about the house discharging her 
daily duties^ as well as in the company of her brothers; she 
sang; in strains of the purest devotion^ and with irresistible 
sweetness and power^ the TTesleyan hymns; thus giving 
utterance to the joyous feelings of her sanctified mind. 
She was a young woman of great personal beauty, of a fine 
form; an amiable disposition; and possessed a melodious 
voice; in the use of which she enlivened the singing in the 
Methodist meetings. 

In these circumstances; Eobert^s former convictions 
were renewed. The Holy Spirit again came upon him as 
the Spirit of bondage and fear; giving him to feel his guilt; 
and consequent liability to future misery ; so that he had 
no rest until he had submitted liimseK to the righteousness 
of God; by fieeing to Christ for refuge. Of his rehgious 
history at this important period; the Eev. WiUiam Toase 
has kindly supplied the following account : — 

We were born within a few miles of each other ; and 



REV. EOBEUT NEWT0:N'^ D.D. 



13 



I well remeinber him in his youthful days^ and at the 
beginning of his rehgious life. When I was very yonng, 
I often hstened to the fervent prayers of his good father^ 
T'ith attention and feehng^ as he poured out his soul to 
God at our village prayer-meetings. The word of the 
Lord was precious in those days ; and the arrival of ' the 
Sound Preacher^ in one of our small towns or villages 
was an event which we hailed with thankfulness and joy. 
If we wished to hear a sermon from one of our appointed 
Ministers more than once a months we had to travel two^ 
four^ and even six or eight miles^ often in by-paths^ bad 
roads^ and amidst the winter^s snow. 

'"''In the year 1797^ under the zealous and effective 
ministry of the Eev. Jonathan Brown and the Eev. Thomas 
Vasey^ there was a gracious revival of religion tln^oughout 
the Whitby Cu'cuit. Upwards of four hundred persons 
were added to the Societies^ and crowds flocked to ouj- 
humble place of worship. At this time^ E^obert jSTewton 
Yvas deeply con\dnced of sin. His sorrow was intense^ and 
continued for the space of nine weeks. Such was the 
interest that was taken in his case^ by the pious people in 
the neighbourhood^ that a special prayer-meeting was held 
one Sunday afternoon^ at Lofthouse^, in his behaK, at which 
I was present. On that occasion^ although he was much 
encouraged by the prayers wliich were offered for him^ and 
the advice which he received from Christians of experience^ 
yet he did not then find peace mth God. This blessing, I 
believe, he afterwards received in- his own room in his 
father^j house at Roxby.^^ 

With this statement, the accounts which have been fur- 
nished by other persons who were acquainted Avith him in 
early life are in perfect agreement. They all describe his 

c 



14 



LIFE OF THE 



penitential sorrow as poignant and long-continued. They 
state that the deep dejection of his spirit was depicted in 
his countenance ; that he mourned over the hardness of his 
heart; and that he obtained peace with God^ not in a 
public meetings but in private. Yet^ when he obtained 
this pearl of great price/^ he was not strictly alone. His 
sister Ann was with him^ and received^ at the same time^ 
the unspeakable gift of God^ as she has stated in her pri- 
vate diary. She says^ I knew that I must obtain forgive- 
ness of sins by faith in Clnist Jesus ; and when I heard 
sermons on the nature of faith^ I heard as for my life : but 
my diffident mind was long held in suspense. I founds 
however^ that I must make an effort to believe on the 
Lord Jesus Christy and I was blessed in the deed; for^ 
while my dear brother Eobert and I unitedly wrestled with 
the Lord in prayer^ we obtained power from on high^ and 
peace and joy through believing^ the love of God being 
shed abroad in our hearts. Each happy countenance indi- 
cated the inward heaven which we had in possession. We did 
indeed rejoice in God our Saviour.''^ The day which to them 
was rendered thus memorable was February 26th^ 1798. 

Hence it is manifest^ that the personal conversion of 
Eobert Newton was thoroughly scriptural and strongly 
marked. It began with conviction of sin : that conviction 
produced godly sorrow/'^ bitter and agonizing. In this 
state he continued for several weeks^ as miserable^ as he 
often expressed himself at the time^ as a man weU can be 
who is not actually in perdition. As in the case of the 
Psalmist^ the pains of death and the sorrov/s of hell gat 
hold upon^^ him. He attended the means of grace; he 
wept^ and cried earnestly to God ; he requested the prayers 
of good men in his behalf ; yet for a long time no deliver- 



HEY. EOBEET NETTTOX; D.D. 



15 



ance came. He was boimd as witli a cliain of adamant^ 
wliicli no human power can ever dissolve : a dark cloud 
rested upon his spirit ; and in vain did he seek rehef by 
means of his own devising. Before faith came/^ he was 
'""kept under the law^ shut up unto the faith which slionJd 
afterward be revealed/^ He felt himself to be powerless 
for all purposes of spiritual and moral good ; and^. in the 
bitterness of his grief^ he exclaimed^ ^^0 wretched man 
that I am ! who shall deliver me from the body of this 
death ?^'' In the anguish of his soul^ he sometimes even 
expressed a desire to die^ that he might know the worst 
of his case. 

The day of liberty at length arrived. Under the guid- 
ance and aid of the Holy Spirit^ he exercised an appro» 
priating faith : of that faith Christy as a sacrifice and a 
Saviour^ was the object ; and^ in the very act of believing^ 
the God of hope filled him with all joy and peace. The 
happiness which he then felt was too rich and permanent 
to be the effect of any merely natural cause. It was a 

peace which ^^passeth all understanding/^ it was a 
^^joy^^ that is unspeakable^ and fidl of glory and it 
remained with him to the end of life in undiminished 
freshness and elevation. Trom this time the bias of his 
nature was changed. The law of God was written upon 
his heart. He loved God^ for he felt that God loved him. 
He abhorred sin^ because it is hateful to God. He was 
free from the guilty '"''fear^ which hath torment for the 
direct witness of his personal adoption enabled him^ with 
unhesitating confidence^ to cry^ ^' Abba^ Tather. He had 
power over all sin; he delighted in acts of rehgious 
worship and of evangehcal obedience ; he loved the chil- 
dren of God for their heavenly Tather''s sake j and he loved 

c I 



16 



LIFE OF THE 



all mankind^ as God^s offsprings and the purchase of Chrisf s 
redeeming blood. 

A conversion thus strongly marked^ and scriptural in its 
character^ is a blessing beyond all that words can express^ 
at whatever period of human existence it may take place. 
It is a preparation for all the duties and trials of the pre- 
sent life^ and it is no less a preparation for death and eternity. 
To every Christian^, and especially to every Christian Minis- 
ter^ it is a mighty advantage-, especially in seasons of tempta- 
tion and discouragement^ and even of spiritual declension^ 
to remember the time when he indubitably '^'^ passed from 
death unto liie/^ and then confidently to say^— 

" Surely on me mj Father smiled, 
And once I knew Tliee reconciledj 
And once I felt my sins forgiven ! 

Luther^s character as a Eeformer was greatly affected 
by his religious experience. He had felt the sentence 
of death in his conscience^ as a convicted transgressor 
of the moral law of God^ and obtained effectual rehef by 
a practical acquiescence in the evangelical doctrine of justi» 
fication by faith; and hence his resolute fidelity in the 
maintenance of that great truths in opposition to the 
unscriptural teaching of the Papal Church. This is equally 
true with respect to the two Wesleys and their friend 
Whitefield. And the painful mental process through 
which Eobert Newton passed prepared him to sympathize 
with guilty men in all their misery ; and the heavenly 
consolation which he obtained by faith in Christ impressed 
his mind with the efBcacy of the atonement^ and the per- 
fect adaptation of the Gospel to the spiritual and moral 
wants of the world. In this manner he was trained to be 
what has been not unaptly called a salvation Preacher.^^ 



EEY. EOBEET NE^OX. D.D. 



17 



No sooner had he tasted that the Lord is gracious, than 
he began to take an active part in the prayer-meetings 
^vhich were held at Eoxby and in its vicinity ; and, under 
the constraining power of Divine love, which dwelt richly 
in his heart, he soon began, in those rustic assemblies, to 
call sinners to repentance, after the example of his brother 
Booth. He preached his first sermon in a cottage at Lyth, 
a \'illage near Whitby. An aged man now living, who 
was present on the occasion, says, that the text which he 
selected as the foundation of his discoui'se was, • ' V'e preach 
Christ crucified/^ a subject to which he adhered with 
unswer\'ing fidelity to the end of his ministerial life. Upon 
the site of that cottage now stands a small Methodist 
chapel, the pulpit of which is placed over the very spot 
where the youthful evangelist, standing behind a chair, 
proclaimed salvation tlu'ough the sacrificial blood of the 
cross. 

Of his early efforts as a Preacher, Mr. Toase says : Ac 
the very beginning he vras popular and useful. Though 
young, his appearance was manly, and there was a noble 
bearing in. all that he said and did. It was ewident, even 
at that time, that he was intended to fill no ordinary place 
among the ambassadors of Christ. I was younger than 
he, and always looked up to him vv'itli admiration, and 
often followed liim to places where he exercised his early 
ministry. He had not been long on the Preachers^ Plan, 
before he was called to occupy the principal pulpits of the 
Circuit; and in all cases his labours were highly acceptable. 
0, those were happy days ! TTe were simple-minded and 
sincere. TTe loved as brethren, and were of one heart 
and soul, and thought no sacrifice too great for the 
advancement of the cause in which we had embarked.'^ 

c 3 



18 



LIPE OF THE 



CHAPTER II. 

Some men are so evidently designed by tlie proyidence 
of God to accomplish great purposes^ that it is hardly 
possible^ even in the early part of their lives^ to mistake 
their destination. Such was Eobert Newton,, who was no 
sooner made a partaker of the Gospel salvation^ than he 
began to recommend to others the mercy which he had 
received ; and he had scarcely entered upon this new and 
sacred employment^ before a general impression was made 
upon the minds of his hearers^ that he would occupy an 
elevated position among the Ministers of Christ. 

In the month of Pebruary^ 1798^ he was made happy in 
God; soon after this he began to preachy and his name 
was placed upon the Circuit Plan; and in the month of 
July^ in the following year^ he was recommended to the 
Methodist Conference^ as a candidate for the itinerant 
ministry^ accepted in that character^ and appointed to the 
Pocklington Circuity not having fully completed the 
nineteenth year of his age. 

In those times a Travelling Preacher^ generally speakings 
was expected to be provided with a horse^ and a pair of 
saddle-bags, in which he carried his Bible, and such other 
books as he might need, his shaving apparatus, and a 
change of linen. Before Robert left home, his father 
bought him a horse ; and when the day of his departure 
arrived, considerable excitement prevailed, not only in 
the family, but among the neighbours. Ann Newton 
inscribed on» the wall of her brothe/s room, ^^This is the 
Lord^s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.'^^ He left 



EEY. aOBEOT NEWTON; D.D. 



19 



his home with the tears and blessings of many ; his father^s 
heart yearned over him^ and he accompanied his son a few 
miles across the moors, and with a faltering voice at 
length took his leave, saying, Preach repentance, faith, 
and holiness, my lad;'^ to which the young evangelist 
responded, ^^I will, father/^ They then parted; but 
before Eobert had completed his journey across the moors, 
he dismounted, fell upon liis knees on the gTound, and 
earnestly invoked the blessing of God upon himself and 
his future labours. 

In this spirit of zeal and self-sacrifice he met a phy- 
sician, who v/as acquainted with the iSi ewton family, and 
who, on learning the errand upon which Robert was bent, 
said, You have mistaken your calling : a young man of 
your abihties should get into the medical or some other 
profession : you will never get anything among the 
Methodists. Eeturn home, and do not throw yourseK 
away.''^ This was a view of Eobert^s project which, we 
need not hesitate to say, had never entered into liis mind. 
He was intent upon winning souls to Christ, and was as 
indifferent to any other kind of getting as v/as an earher 
servant of his Lord, who could say to the men in whose 
presence he had lived and acted for three years, I have 
coveted no man^s silver, or gold, or apparel."' "What 
amount of these things Eobert jN'ewton might have been 
able to get in one of the professions that were recom- 
mended to him, we know not. As a Methodist Preacher, 
he had food and raiment, and such accommodation as his 
Master never had ; and what he gained more will be best 
ascertained when ''^the dead, small and great,''" shall 

stand before God"" to be judged, and when the heavens 
and the earth shall pass away. 



20 



LIFE OF THE 



It was the custom with Methodist Preachers, in the 
times of which we are now speaking, when they took a 
journey of any considerable length, to deliver a sermon at 
the place where they happened to arrive in the evening, 
and to receive in return, from the friends who were resi- 
dent there, a night^s lodging, with accommodation for the 
horses that carried them. Robert, it would appear, was 
aware of this practice, and hoped to avail himself of it on 
his way to his first Circuit. Accordingly, on his arrival at 
Malton, the day being far spent, he inquired for a Method- 
ist family ; but instead of being invited to remain all 
night, as he expected, he was shown the road to Pockhng- 
ton. Pursuing his way, he came to a village named 
Bythorpe, where he made the same inquiry, but with 
precisely the same result. He was again kindly shown 
the way to Pockhngton. The night, however, was 
hastening on ; he had never been accustomed to sleep at 
pubHc-houses ; and it is probable that the amount of cash 
at his immediate disposal was not very great. In this 
emergency he recollected that there was a Methodist 
farmer, of whom he had heard his father speak, whose 
residence he thought could not be far distant. He there- 
fore inquired for Mr. Thomas, of GaUowgap, for that was 
the farmer^s name ; but when he arrived at the house, he 
learned that Mr. and Mrs. Thomas were gone to a meet- 
ing, at a place about a mile off, and were not expected to 
return in less than an hour or two. The young stranger 
was, however, kindly invited to dismount, and accommo- 
dation was offered both to him and liis weary beast. He 
was, at first, mistaken for Mr. Booth Newton ; and when 
this mistake was corrected, it was immediately said that he 
must be Mr. Booth N ewton^s brother ; and as such he was 



HEY. EOBEllT NEWTON^ D.D. 



received. At length Mr. and Mrs. Thomas came home ; 
and having learned vvho and what the stranger was^ they 
gave him a hearty welcome^ and were so pleased with his 
appearance^ his spirit^ and his conversation^ that Mr. 
Thomas accompanied him several miles on his journey the 
next morning ; and a cordial friendship was formed between 
the parties^ which continued till the end of life. ]\Ir. 
Thomas afterwards removed into the neighbourhood of 
Holbeach, in Lincolnshire^ where some of his descendants 
now reside. They love the very name of Eobert Xewton^ 
who was a welcome guest in their family for more than 
fifty years. 

The writer of this narrative has a distinct remembrance 
of Mr. Newton (for so we must now call him) at the time 
of his entrance upon his evangelical labours in the Pock- 
lington Circuit. He was tall, and well proportioned, 
possessing a fine open countenance, and was graceful in 
his appearance and action. His voice was a deep bass, of 
vast compass and povrer, and no less remarkable for the 
sweetness of its tones. He wore a white neckcloth, and a 
black coat and waistcoat ; but otherwise, like most of his 
brethren, he was not very clerical in his apparel. In 
preaching he was fluent and earnest, exhibiting a maturity 
of judgment beyond his years. His memory was tena- 
cious ; and in his sermons he often introduced striking 
and appropriate quotations from the ^^Isight Thoughts 
of Dr. Young, — a book vrhich he had evidently read with 
great advantage, and which at that time was very popular 
among young ^lethodists. In pubhc prayer he was fer- 
vent, copious, and devout, expressing himself very much 
in the language of holy Scripture, with which he mani- 
fested a singular familiarity, considering his youth. His 



22 



LIFE OF THE 



ministry was popular^ because it was impressive and edify- 
ing ; and I well recollect that I once mingled with a group 
of pious villagers^ who had come two miles to hear him on 
a Sunday afternoon^ and were returning^ full of admiration 
that a man so young should preach so well^ when one of 
them emphatically said^ He will be a great man^ if he 
only keep humble fearful, apparently^ lest his fine per- 
son, voice, and talents, should prove a snare to him, by 
being an occasion of pride and vanity. In social inter- 
course he was frank, communicative, cheerful, and yet 
serious ; and his entire demeanour was marked by strict 
propriety, so that he soon became a general favourite. 

The Pocklington Circuit at that time included a large 
number of agricultural villages, some of which were 
situated upon bleak mountains, called the Wolds,^^ and 
others upon the extensive plain below, which stretches in 
the direction of Howden on one side, and of York on the 
other. In Pocklington, Market- Weighton, and one or 
two other places, the Societies and congregations were 
accommodated with chapels ; but in the villages and ham- 
lets generally, the religious services were conducted in 
private houses, in barns, and in carpenters^ shops. During 
the winter months the Preacher took his stand behind a 
chair in the cottage of a day-labourer, or in the kitchen of 
a farm-house, at the end of a long oak-table, from which 
the servants were accustomed to take their meals. 

The sermons delivered in these places were addressed 
to the consciences of the people, and invariably adapted 
and intended to expose the evil of sin, and the insuffici- 
ency of that religion which is merely outward ; to direct 
awakened penitents to the Saviour ; to show the nature of 
justification, the method of its attainment, the happiness and 



EEY. EOBEET NEWTON^ D.D. 



23 



the purity of heart which are directly consequent upon it ; 
the nature of the spiritual worship which God requires and 
will accept ; the duties of the Cliristian life, and the neces- 
sity of universal obedience on the part of all who know 
the Lord. These great subjects constituted^ as they have 
ever done^ the staple of Methodist preaching; and prac- 
tical attention to them all was enforced by solemn refer- 
ences to the near approaches of death, the certainty and 
strictness of the judgment, the joys of heaven, and the 
endless torments of hell. 

On the week-day evenings the men usually appeared in 
their smock-frocks, and on the Sabbath-day in coats of a 
rosset colour, with a red kerchief round their necks. The 
Methodist women were mostly seen in the villages with red 
cloaks and black silk bonnets, remarkable for their neatness 
and the absence of ornament. The sound of instrumental 
music was never heard in these rustic assemblies, and the use 
of a tune-book was unknown. The singing was perhaps not 
always scientifically correct, and such as would have throAvn 
Handel into raptures of delight ; but it was lively and devo- 
tional. Any repetitions in the tunes were usually sung by 
the women alone ; and the man who offended against this 
regulation was almost sure to receive a rebuke from the 
Preacher, who felt that the entire service was under his 
immediate dn-ection. Sometimes the farmers" labourers, who 
rose early in the morning, and worked hard through the day, 
found it difficult to avoid drowsiness under a sermon, espe- 
cially if it were somewhat heavy, or of immoderate length; 
and in such cases the Preacher seldom hesitated to request 
some one to awake the sleeper. I well remember an honest 
man of this class, who voluntarily closed his eyes, that he 
might hear the sermon with undistracted attention ; and. 



24 



LIPS OF THE 



hearing tlie Preacher say^ Some one of you, have the 
kindness to awaken that good man/"* opened his eyes^ and 
said, I am not asleep^ Sir ; I am listening to all that 
you say/'' Mr. Newton, being a young man, was not 
wont to take these liberties with his hearers, and his 
preaching was such as to command fixed and general 
attention. 

The Superintendent of the Pocldington Circuit, under 
whose care Mr. Newton was placed during the first year 
of his pubhc ministerial labour, was the Rev. Thomas 
Dixon, an aged man^ nearly worn out in the service of his 
Lord. He vv^as somev/nat unwieldy in his person^ slow of 
speech, and otherwise unattractive as a Preacher ; but he 
was eminently sensible and devout, spiritually-minded, 
w^eU-informed, and of strict integrity. A vain young man, 
in Mr. Newton^s situation^ wouJd have admired his own 
popularity, and despised the veteran Minister whose 
infirmities required forbearance^ and would perhaps have 
headed a party against him. But nobler thoughts und 
feelings occupied the mind of Mr. Newton. He formed 
a just estimate of his Superintendent's intellectual and 
moral Vv^orth, and reverenced him as a father. Prom this 
venerable man he learned much as to the economy and 
administration of Methodism, and received from his lips 
many lessons of truth and wisdom which he never forgot. 
To the end of his life he was accustomed to speak of Mr. 
Dixon Math affection and esteem. 

Yet, w^hile he was in the main happy in his work, and 
was borne along by an uninterrupted tide of popular 
favour, he was at times subject to distressing temptations 
in respect of the service in which he was engaged, and 
of his comparative want of suitable qualifications for it. 



EEY. EOBEET XEWTOX; D.D. 



25 



Feelings of discouragement rose in liis mind ; and at times 
he entertained the purpose of leaving his Circuity and of 
returning to his former occupation at Eoxby. On one 
occasion he mentioned these feehngs to John Hart^ of 
Thornton^ a pious^ thoughtful Local Preacher^ in whose 
cottage Mr. jlvewton and his fellow-labourers used to 
preach and lodge. John^ who was himself no stranger to 
such emotions, heard the voung man with patience, 
answered his objections, gave him suitable encouragement, 
and ended the matter bv saying, in respect of the proposed 
abandonment of his work, ^^You daee not.''^ And such 
was the fact. 

After the Conference of 1800, Mr. Tsewton took leave 
of his venerated Superintendent, and of the fiiends to 
whom he had faithfully ministered the word of God during 
the preceding twelve months, and repaired to the Howden 
Gircuit, to which he was appointed. It would have been 
impossible to find a station that was more exactly suited to 
his state and character. He possessed talents of a high 
order ; but they were not fully called forth ; nor was he 
aware of the improvement of which they were capable. 
But his mind was generous, and ready to surrender itseK 
to the beneficial influences which were now brou2:ht to 
bear upon it. His Superintendent was the Eev. Joseph 
Sutcliffe, a man of real genius, of admirable simpHcity, 
of great mental activity, of a most kindly disposition, of 
literary habits, and thoroughly devoted to his work as a 
Methodist Preacher. It was impossible that a person of 
Mr. Newton's character should be brought into direct and 
official intercourse with such a Minister without deriving 
from him great intellectual and spiritual benefit. 

The Howden Circuit at that time was of wide extent, 

D 



26 



LIFE OP THE 



einbracing in its range a large number of countiy 
villages ; in many of wliich cliapels of various dimensions 
were erected^ not remarkable in every instance for their 
architectural beauty ; but they were neat and convenient^ 
and the religious services which were held in them were of 
inestimable benefit to multitudes of people^ who would 
otherwise have lived and died in a comparatively heathen 
state. In these villages there were many families of high 
respectability^ who not only attended the Methodist 
ministry^ but belonged to the Societies ; and^ what is still 
more important^ they enjoyed the salvation which that 
ministry is intended to expound^ and were the subjects of 
that spiritual religion which the Methodist discipline is 
designed to conserve and foster. The heads of these 
families were wealthy farmers; and not a few of them 
were energetic and effective Local Preachers^ who were 
accustomed, on the morning of the Lord^s day, to take 
their horses, visit two or three villages or hamlets, preach 
the truth of God in strains which it was a privilege to 
hear,^^ and return in the evening gladdened by the Gospel 
which they had delivered, and by the heavenly influence 
which rested upon them. 

These men were well acquainted with the holy Scrip- 
tures, were somewhat extensively read in divinity, and 
therefore competent judges of good preaching, both as 
to matter and manner ; so that to meet their just expecta- 
tions required constant effort. Of this Mr. Newton was 
aware ; and while their approval of his ministry was to 
him a source of encouragement, it was no less a powerful 
stimulus to diligence in his pulpit-preparations, and to a 
godly fervour and earnestness in his pubKc labours. The 
generous hospitality of the wealthy friends in the Circuit 



EEV. EOBEET XE^TOX^ E.D. 



27 



was to liim uo snare. His moderation was known unto 
all men ; he grew in grace ; Ins pious zeal knew no lan- 
guor ; and perhaps no man ever made a more marked and 
sensible improvement in theological knowledge^ and in tlie 
power of expounding the great principles of revealed truths 
so as to instruct and impress his congTCgations^ than lie 
did at this period of his life. His preaching retained an 
undiminished freshness and popularity. He proposed to 
himseK a high standard of Christian and ministerial excel- 
lence^ and spared no pains to reahze all that his heart 
desired. As if he had foreknown that the time was 
hastening on when almost every day would be occupied in 
pubKc service, he was, in these earlier years of his ministry, 
indefatigable in his application to study, especially with a 
direct reference to the duties of the pulpit, in which he 
was most anxious to excel. He was diligent in prayers, 
and in reading of the holy Scriptures, and in such studies 
as help to the knowledge of the same, laying aside the 
study of the world and the flesh.''^ 

During his residence in the Howden Circuit, he entered 
upon the study of the French language ; in the knowledge 
of which his Superintendent had attained to a proficiency, 
and was then engaged in translating hito English Professor 
Ostervald^s treatise on the ^''Exercise of the Christian 
Ministry/^ Mr. ]?^ewton doubtless hoped to form an 
acquaintance with the published sermons of the most dis- 
tinguished of the Erench Preachers, whose fame at that 
time was loudly proclaimed by the. English press. 

* Among the Frencli Protestant Preachers, Saurin takes the lead. Elis 
sermons are orthodox, eloquent, argumentative, and contain many faithful 
and awful warnings addressed to the consciences of ungodly men ; but they 
present very defective views of the office and work of the Holy Spuit under 

D -l 



28 



LIFE OF THE 



Of his preaching and personal appearance at tliis time^ 
tlie Eev. Barnabas Shaw^ now an aged Missionary in South 
Africa^ gives the following account^ in a private letter, 
which bears the date of July lOth^ 1854^ and was 
addressed to Dr. Beecham : — When I was about thir- 
teen years of age^ I heard Mr. Newton preach a funeral 
sermon in the old Presbyterian chapel^ South Cave, which 
was perhaps never so well warmed either before or since. 
South Cave, and Elloughton my native place, were then 
in the Howden Circuit. Though a mere boy, 1 felt proud 

the evar.gelical economy ; they fail to point out, with clearness and forcey 
the manner in which the benefits of Christ's redemption are to he sought 
and obtained by those who feel their gnilt and sin ; and, at the same time^ 
they are often offensively pompons in their manner. 

As to the sermons of the principal French Preachers belonging to the 
Papal commvoiion, they are finished specimens of what genius and art can 
produce. In their matter and substance, they are moral essays, in which 
the vanity of worldly pleasure, and the evil of particular vices, are exposed, 
and religious duty is enforced by the solemnities of death and judgment. 
But they do not embody the truths of the Gospel which our Saviour sent 
His Apostles to preach. It is reported of Massillon, one of the most dis- 
tinguished of this class of orators, that he once gave in the pulpit such a 
graphic description of the day of judgment, that his hearers all rose from 
their seats, imagining that the judgment had already begun. This feat has 
often been referred to as the triumph of pulpit -eloquence ; but was it not 
rather the triumph of histrionic art ? The true end of preaching is the 
salvation of the people. The Parisians, who were so affected under the 
oratory of Massillon, only rose from their seats to sit down again. They 
were not shown the way to Christ as their Saviour, that they might be 
prepared to meet Him as their Judge, and stand before Him ^dth boldness 
and joy. Nothing but the Gospel, the complete Gospel, meets the wants 
of fallen men ; and the sermons which do not contain this, whether delivered 
from the pulpit or the press, are of comparatively little value as to the 
great design of preaching. Of this fact no man had a deeper conviction 
than Robert Newton, when age, experience^ observation, and prayer had 
matured his judgment. 



EEY. EOBEItT NEWTON; D.D. 



29 



of the Preacher^ and thought him one of the finest-looking 
men I ever saw. His voice charmed me exceedingly. He 
preached also^ I remember,, in the barn of Mr. Thompson, 
of Ai^min, who at that time was a gay and thoughtless 
man; but heard as for eternity, and became a man of 
decided piety. He soon ranked Avith the fii^st-rate Local 
Preachers in that Circuit,~the Bells of Portington, the 
Simpsons of Spaldington, the Clarksons of Holme, the 
Lavaracks of Swinefleet, and others, ilr. Tliompson was 
one of the best Christians I ever knew ; one of the kindest 
men in the universe; and one of the most useful in his 
local sphere of labour. He would ride in the depth of 
winter, through rain and hail and snoAv, to attend liis 
appointment at any small village, ^rith the greatest delight; 
and his labours were not in vain.^'' Mr. Shaw might have 
mentioned many other honoured names of parties who were 
at that time connected with Methodism in the Howden 
Circuit, especially the Blanshards of Cavil-Hall, and the 
"Woods of j!*s'orth Cave. 

Some further notice of a man so distinguished as Mr. 
Thompson is requisite in this place. He was, in respect 
of piety and usefulness, all that Mr. Shaw has described 
him ; but Mr. Xewton was not the only instrument of his 
conversion. Two ladies in the Howden Circuit, who had 
been tmmed to God by means of Mr. X ewtotfs preaching, 
were deeply concerned for the people of Armin, whose 
spiritual interests were greatly neglected. They requested 
Mr. Xewton to preach there, and obtained the promise of 
a barn to be used on the occasion ; but when the appoiijted 
time arrived, the barn was refused. The case was stated 
to Mr. Thompson, who was then an ungodly and thought- 
less young man ; and he instantly ofi'ered the use of his 

D 3 



80 



LIFE OF THE 



barn for tlie service^ and directed his men to prepare it 
with all haste. Mr. Newton preached. Mr. Thompson 
attended^ heard the truths and was deeply impressed by it^ 
but did not at once receive Christ as his Savionx, When 
Mr. Newton left the Circuity he was succeeded by the 
Eev. John Brown^ a young man of extraordinary zeal and 
energy^ who introduced regular preaching into Armin^ 
formed a Society there^ and was a means of leading Mr. 
Thompson to Christy by whose grace the man of worldli- 
ness and gaiety was made a new creature^ and an active 
agent in the Christian cause. Mr. Brown was likely to 
become a man of leading influence in the Methodist Con- 
nexion ; but, by a mysterious providence, he died at an 
early period of his public labours, so that his brilliant 
career was of short duration. A friendship, tender and 
permanent, was formed between Mr. Thompson and Mr. 
Newton ; who was accustomed to visit Armin from year to 
year, and witnessed in that small village such liberality in 
the cause of Missions as was scarcely ever surpassed. 

Mr. Newton^s ministry and character were so highly 
appreciated in the Howden Circuit, as well as those of his 
esteemed Superintendent, that the Conference was induced 
to appoint them both to that station a third year. Mr^ 
Wesley had made provision for triennial appointments, in 
the powers which he conferred upon the Conference ; yet 
they were then regarded with jealousy, so that they 
but seldom took place. The appointment of so young a 
man to remain a third year in the same Circuit was there- 
fore not looked upon as a special favour to him, but rather 
as a proof of talent, and of excellent conduct on his part, 
which had won the esteem and confidence of the people. 
The fact is, that respect for his memory has from that time 



KEY. EOBEET NEWTOX^ D.D. 



31 



been hereditary in tlie Howden Circuit. Parents have 
spoken to their children of liis preachings his spirit^ his 
usefulness, so as to induce them to love his very name ; 
and this feeling has been kept up by his frequent visits as 
long as he lived. Although haK a century has elapsed 
since he left that field of labour, and the people who 
knew and loved him have mostly passed away, the people 
in general still speak of him as an example of all that is 
honourable, blameless, and praiseworthy. 

Soon after the commencement of his third year in the 
Howden Circuit, Mr. Newton entered into the marriage 
relation. The object of his choice was the daughter of 
the late Captain Nodes, of the Seventeenth Infantry, who 
lived with her mother, then a widow, at Skelton Hall, near 
York. Miss Nodes had been awakened to a concern for 
her salvation, under the ministry of a pious Clergyman of 
the Church of England, of which she was a member. The 
opposition which she encountered in consequence of the 
sudden change in her religious views was the occasion of 
her first meeting with Mr. Newton. She afterwards in- 
vited him to preach in the village school-room at Skelton ; 
and their engagement was the result of this second interview. 
Their marriage at this time, 1802, before he had completed 
the usual term of ministerial probation, was sanctioned by 
the Conference; and the Superintendent Minister of the 
York Circuit acted as father at the nuptial ceremony. Of 
this union it may be truly said, that it was founded in 
mutual esteem and affection, and that the parties were 
worthy of each other. It may serve to show something of 
his devotedness to his ministerial work, when we say, that 
on every week-day in the month, except one, he had a 
preaching appointment ; that he selected the vacant day for 



32 



LIFE OF THE 



liis marriage^ so tliat no congregation^ however small^ sliould 
be disappointed of liis service ; and tliat^ in the evening of 
the following dav^ he preached in a country village^ his 
bride being one of his hearers. 

It has been often observed^ that perhaps a finer couple^ 
personally considered^ never presented themselves in a 
Christian sanctuary for the purpose of entering into that 
holy and honourable relation. But it is of greater import- 
ance to observe that their marriage union was eminently 
sanctified. They immediately adopted the practice of 
retiiing twice a day to pray with and for each other ; and^ 
whenever they had the opportunity^ this was their habit to 
the end of life. After this statement^ it is needless to add^ 
that theii' union was blessed of the Lord^ and was singularly 
happy. TThen he had become an aged man^ he was heard 
to say, In the course of a short time my wife and I shaU 
celebrate the jubilee of our marriage; and I know not 
that, during the fifty years of our union, an unkind look 
or an unkind word has ever passed between us.''^ Through 
the whole of her married life, Mrs. Newton^s habits have 
been retiring, and she has occupied but a small degree of 
public attention ; but it will appear from the subsequent 
parts of this narrative, that the many thousands of people 
who have profited by the ministry of her husband owe a 
large debt of gratitude to her magnanimity and self-denial, 
in giving up the society of such a man, and in taking 
upon herself the care of their large family, thus leaving 
him at liberty to extend his labours to the three kingdoms, 
and the benefit of them to the ends of the earth. 

A few brief extracts from the letters which he wrote to 
his sister Ann, while he was in the Howden Circuit, will 
serve further to illustrate his character at this period of his 



33 



b'fe. Mary Tvas maniecl al3out tliis time^ and went to 
reside at Eobin Hood^s Bar. Ann^ who was nearer liis 
own age-, still remained witli her father and mother at 
Eoxby ; so that in writing to her he was^ in fact^ writing 
to his parents. 

^^XoT. 17th^ ISOO. — AVe are separated far from each 
other^ bnt daily meet at the throne of grace ; and we 
know that ^ the same Lord over all is rich nnto all that 
call upon Him/ I hope^ my dear sister^ that you are 
more than ever athirst for God^ even for the living God. 
Let us come to the fountain of Hving water^ in the act of 
prayer and faith; so shall we enjoy more of the incon- 
ceivable felicity which results from an intimate union with 
the adorable Jesus. He is our peace. Let us lose oui'- 
selves in the boundless ocean of redeeming love. 

I preached in Howden yesterday^ at noon and nighty 
to very large auditories. The principal persons in the 
town attend. TTe have had some conversions^ but I hope 
they are only dr-ops before the shower. I see that I have 
more need than ever I had before to pray for true hiunility 
and evangelical simphcity. Give my kind love to my dear 
parents^ brothers, and all fidends.^'' 

^^Dec. 6th, ISOl. — I hope you are yet running with 
patience the race that is set before you, looking unto 
Jesus. He is a perfect example. Let us copy after the 
moral perfections of His nature, so far as we are capable 
of such imitation. I see more and more the value of true 
religion : her ways are indeed ways of pleasantness. 1 
bless the God of my hfe for many mercies ; I enjoy a good 
state of healthy and solid peace of mind. 

Our congregations continue to be as large as they ever 
were ; but I am sometimes afraid that oui^ hearers are 



LIPE OF THE 



more pleased than profited. The Eev. Dr. Coke is to 
officiate for me here the next Lord^s day^ when I hope 
to be instructed and edified. I have not heard any person 
preach since I heard my brother in your house. I had a 
letter lately from my brother Booths who is well. May 
we all be made meet for the inheritance of the saints in 
light ! God bless you V' 

''April 13th, 1802.— We had our Quarterly Meeting 
last week, when my good colleague and I both consented 
to continue another year in the Circuit, if the Conference 
be agreeable. I came to Howden the next morning, and 
perceived that I had caught the measles, and was soon 
obliged to take to my bed, being continually sick. The 
case was of a complex kind, owing to my being in the 
cold after I had taken the infection. Two doctors attended 
me, both of whom were alarmed. One of them told me 
that I had every symptom of putridity. A large blister 
was put upon my breast, which, when dressed, discharged 
about half a pint. Through the abundant mercy of God 
I am now getting better; and I hope that I can realize 
not only the hand, but the love, of my Redeemer in this 
dispensation. My afilictions have enabled me to form 
such an estimate of the world as I never formed before. 
May you and I build above the skies ! 

'' We have a glorious revival in our Circuit. I joined 
twelve or fourteen new members to the Society the last 
time that I preached at Bubwith, one of our Sunday places. 
Zion^s converts are many; and our congregations are so 
large, that I frequently think we shaU have to go without 
the camp. 

" I hope our brothers Jacob and J ohn continue stead- 
fast in faith and holy practice. We have need to watch 



EEY. EOBEUT Ts'E^YTON^ D.D. 



35 



and pray always^ that we may be accounted worthy to 
stand before the Son of Man. What an honour it will be 
to stand approved in the sight of assembled worlds ! 
Give my kind love to my dear parents^ brothers^ and 
friends/'' 

" May 19th. — You desire me to write soon. I feel a 
pleasure in complying with your request. It will add to 
my fehcity if I can heighten yours. How agreeable it 
would have been to me^ could I have had my dear sister 
to attend me in my afB.iction ! but the best of all is^ that 
the Lord was with me^ and I am now perfectly recovered. 
I have indeed found it good to be afflicted^ and I am 
thankful for the chastening of the Lord. 

" I am glad to hear that the supplanter is become a 
Preacher. Who knows what the Lord intends him to do ? 
I hope he is a chosen vessel^ destined to pubhsh the excel- 
lencies of the Eedeemer^ and make known to the world 
that love which angels would be honoured in proclaiming. 
When God bestows a gift^ He also gives a call. ^ Occupy 
till I come."* 0^ how I should like to hear him ! Tell 
him to pray much^ and to digest all the sermons that he 
hears. I have mentioned the circumstance of his begin- 
ning to preach at different places; and the good ladies 
have generally exclaimed^ ^"VATiat a happy woman must 
your mother be !^ 

We have had a blessed revival of religion at two or 
three places in this Circuit. Many have been converted^ 
who continue to adorn the Gospel by the holiness of their 
Hves. Several of the friends say it will be a sin for me to 
leave the Circuit at the next Conference. I want only to 



* Iiis brother Jacob. 



36 



LIFE OF THE 



be in the way of duty ; but I hope I shall never forget the 
kindness of my friends in this Circuit/^ 

^^Nov. 2d. — Blessed be God^ the number of them 
that believe is multiplied. We have lately joined seven or 
eight Jie\Y members to the Society at North Cave^ where I 
was the last Lord^s day. Our places of worship are too 
small. Sinners flock to hear the word. They fly as a 
cloudy and as doves to the windows. The longer I stay, 
the more I am united to the people here. O that we all 
at last may meet where parting and pain have no 
existence ! 

" My wife and I are both well^ and I trust are striving 
together for the faith of the Gospel. "We are together 
journeying to the place of which the Lord hath said, 

will give it you.^'' 

^^Jan. 5th, 1803. — When I received your first letter, 
containing the mournful news of my father^s indisposition, 
my dear Vvdfe had just begun to be ill of a fever, which for 
some time has been very prevalent in this neighbourhood ; 
otherwise we should have set off for Roxby immediately. 
After a week had elapsed, I was taken ill of the same 
fever, which in a few days reduced me almost to a skele- 
ton; but, through the mercy of God, we are now restored. 
Our gracious Lord afflicts not for His pleasure, but for our 
profit. May the end of all His dispensations towards us 
be fully answered ! It is good for us frequently to think 
of our mortality; for ^we are strangers and pilgrims on 
the earth.'' 

It is matter of great consolation to hear that religion 
afforded my dear father such support in the trying hour. 

* Virtue alone hath majesty in death.' 



SEV. EGBERT NEWTON^ D.D. 



37 



"If we be spared until March, perhaps my brother 
Jacob may be able to take my Circuit for a few weeks, 
which will give me an opportunity of visiting you. I hear 
that John speaks with all boldness. 

" The Lord, I hope, is prospering His work among us. 
Our congregations are as large as ever, and we are adding 
a few to the Societies. I labour among affectionate friends, 
and am blessed with every earthly comfort. ^ Bless the 
Lord, 0 my soul I"' 



E 



38 



LirE OP THE 



OH.iPTER III. 

The Wesley au Conference of 1803 was held in Man- 
chester; and Mr. Newton^ having passed acceptably 
through the four years of his probation^ took an affection- 
ate leave of his friends in the Howden Circuity — among 
whom were many of his spiritual children^ — and repaired 
to that assembly^ for the purpose of giving the requisite 
proofs of his piety and soundness in the faith, and of being 
solemnly set apart for the pastoral office. Here he was 
introduced to the body of Ministers with whom he was to 
be permanently identified in carrying on the great work of 
God, which was begun in the time of the Wesleys, and 
was in a state of rapid extension both at home and 
abroad. Here were many of Mr. Wesley^s contemporaries, 
tried friends of Methodism, eminent for their wisdom and 
fidehty; and here were young men, like himself, just 
rising into public life, anxious to learn the true nature of 
their calling, and bui^ning with zeal for the honour of 
Christ, and the salvation of redeemed men. Here, too, 
were men of whom he had often heard, famous for their 
attainments in sacred scholarship, or for their abilities as 
extempore Preachers. At the head of these men, at that 
time, was the venerable Joseph Benson, a man who was 

mighty in the Scriptures,^^ and no less mighty in prayer, 
and in the ministry of the word. His sermons were long, 
richly charged with important truth, and addressed with 
irresistible effect to the understandings and consciences of 
the people; so that, in despite of his feeble and harsh 
voice, he was one of the most successful Preachers of his 



KEY. EGBERT XET^TO>% D.D. 



39 



day. Next came Mr. Adam Clarke^ not yet honoured 
with a Doctor^s degree^ who had begun to attract attention 
by his varied learnings who then took his full share of 
labour as a Methodist Preacher^ and whose ministry was 
equally remarkable for its argumentative character^ its 
simphcity^ and its power. Here was also the generous 
and noble-minded Samuel Bradburn^ whose ability as a 
pubhc speaker was all but unrivalled. He had a fine 
countenance^ an agreeable voice^ which he well knew how 
to manage ; his manner in the pulpit was simple and 
unimpassioned ] but his command over his congi'egations 
was surprising. He could provoke their smiles^ or move 
them to tears^ at pleasure. His sermons were rich in 
evangelical sentiment ; for he dehghted to expatiate upon 
the glories of Christ^s person^ and the elficacy of His atone- 
ment. Of these and kindred subjects he was never weary ; 
and he was accustom.ed to descant upon them in strains 
of the happiest eloquence. Yet he often marred his 
incomparable discourses by witticisms^ which to some 
extent spoiled their effect. His fame, as a Preacher, was 
nevertheless spread, and that justly, far and wide. 

Dr. Coke was also a man of leading influence in the 
Conference, and in the Connexion generally. He was 
short in stature, rather corpulent, of a fair and ruddy 
complexion, quick in his spirit and movements ; and, 
although a Clergyman of the Church of England, he was 
hearty in Ins attachment to Methodism, and superintended 
its Missions with a disinterestedness and fidelity which 
cannot be too greatly admired. In Missionary zeal he was 
far in advance of the age in which he lived. 

The chair of the Conference this year was occupied 
by Joseph Bradford, the chosen friend and travelling com- 

E 2 



40 



LIPE OF THE 



panion of Mr. "Wesley^ a man of unbending integrity, and 
of kindly disposition. He was surrounded by a goodly 
array of faithful men, who had long borne the burden and 
heat of the day; such as Joseph and Thomas Taylor, 
Pawson, Moore, Barber, Atmore, Gaulter, Griffith, and 
many others less distinguished, but of exemplary self- 
denial and fidelity, from the agricultural districts, from 
Cornwall and Wales, whose sunburnt countenances indi- 
cated their extensive journeyings, while bearing the 
message of salvation to masses of people who, but for 
them, must have perished for lack of knowledge. 

Before this body of Ministers Mr. Newton bore an 
acceptable testimony as to his views of Divine truth, his 
experience of its power, and his purpose in respect of the 
system of doctrine and discipline which the Pounder of the 
Connexion had committed in trust to his sons in the 
Gospel ; from them he received the right hand of fellow- 
ship, as a fellow-labourer ; and by them was he commended 
to the care and blessing of God in earnest and united 
prayer. That Conference was memorable for the reception 
of gifted men into the Wesleyan ministry ; among whom 
are to be ranked, not only Eobert Newton, but Jabez 
Bunting, Daniel Isaac, James Needham, William Leach, 
WiUiam Edward Miller, Phihp Garrett, John Slack, Joseph 
Hallam, Thomas Binder, all of whom became men of 
renown, though not in an equal degree. Of these valuable 
and useful Ministers, one only remains. The rest are 
fallen asleep; but their names command an undying 
respect. With such examples before him, we can easily 
conceive that the generous soul of Eobert Newton was 
stirred to its very depths, and that he was prompted to an 
honourable and godly emulation of so much talent and 



EEV. EOBEET NEWTON, D.D. 



41 



excellence. To liim it was also an occasion of solid grati- 
fication, that, while he was himseK fully set apart to the 
sacred ofiice, his brother Jacob was accepted as a candidate 
for the same high and holy calling, and appointed to the 
Eipon Circuit ; and that their younger brother John was 
usefully employed as a Local Preacher. 

When the Conference had concluded its sittings, Mr. 
and Mrs. Newton, accompanied by a faithful servant named 
Nanny, who had been brought to the enjoyment of God^s 
mercy in Christ through her master^s faithful preaching, 
and whose heart therefore clave to them with a grateful 
affection, entered upon their journey to the Glasgow 
Circuit, where he was appointed to labour during the next 
twelve months. The superintendence of the Circuit was 
intrusted to him; and Messrs. WiUiam Timperley and 
John Fisher were his colleagues. Having paid a visit to 
Mrs. Newton^s mother on their way, at Skelton, they at 
length arrived at the place of their destination, where 
scenes were presented to them very different from those 
which they had been accustomed to witness in Yorkshire. 
They were no longer resident in a quiet provincial town, 
surrounded by agricultural villages, but in a manufacturing 
city, of vast extent, teeming with inhabitants, many of the 
poorer classes being without shoes and stockings; and 
not a few of the female servants in respectable families in 
the same plight. They found, also, an Established Church, 
with its Clergy, its numerous places of worship, and these 
attended by crowds of people; but no surplice, and no 
Liturgy, the Ministers officiating in their gowns, and using 
extempore prayer, and the people admirers of good preaching. 

Mr. NeT\i:on arrived in Glasgow on the Saturday, and 
was to preach there the next morning. He was given to 



42 



LIFE OF THE 



understand^ that he would be expected to appear in the 
pulpit with his gown and bands^ — appendages to which he 
had hitherto been unaccustomed. At that time he dis- 
pensed with the gown : but the bands were deemed neces- 
sary; for he would otherwise be regarded as a mere Licen- 
tiate, permitted to exercise his gifts, by way of trial, but 
not yet invested with the ministerial character. A pair 
of bands was therefore borrowed for the occasion of a 
neighbouring Clergyman ; and in the course of the follow- 
ing week Mrs. Newton exercised her skill in providing 
him with a pair of his own. The fluent, earnest, energetic, 
and thoroughly evangelical sermons of Mr. Newton soon 
engaged the public attention ; and the chapel was crowded 
with people, — a fact which gave promise of much spiritual 
good, though the congregations, unlike those which he had 
been accustomed to address in Yorkshire, however deeply 
they might feel, appeared to be calm and unmoved. Yet 
their earnest attention proved that they understood and 
felt the truths which were delivered to them in the name 
of the Lord. 

Mr. Newton'^s appointment to the Glasgow Circuit, at 
this period of his life, was equally important to himself, 
to the congregations whom he was accustomed to address, 
and to the entire Wesleyan body. It was here, especially, 
that he was prepared for those extraordinary pubhc services 
which were assigned to him, in the arrangements of Divine 
Providence, in future life. Here he often preached to the 
same people five or six times a week ; so that he was com- 
pelled to study revealed truth upon a somewhat extended 
scale, that he might be able to produce, in the course of his 
ministry, " things new and old."'^ It is also well known, 
that, in Scotland, preaching, as an art, has been studied 



EEV. KOBEET NEWTON^ D.D. 



43 



with extraordinary assiduity and success; so that her 
pulpits have^ from time to time, been occupied by several 
of the best Preachers in Christendom. In Glasgow, Mr. 
Newton had an opportunity, almost every week, of hearing 
the ablest Ministers in the city, who preached in each other's 
churches. Among the eminent men with whose services 
the city was then favoured were the celebrated Dr. Balfour, 
and Dr. Wardlaw, who was rising into notice, both as a 
theologian and a preacher. The ministrations of these 
very able men Mr. Newton especially admired. He was, 
indeed, an imitator of no man; but the exercise of their 
eminent talents, of which he was an admiring witness, 
unquestionably stimulated him to a dihgent improvement 
of his own. In addition to this, he availed himself of the 
opportunity then afforded him of attending the lectures of 
Professors in the University on Divinity and Philosophy, 
by which his knowledge was enlarged, and he was taught 
to prosecute his own studies in a systematic and successful 
manner; for he had a quick apprehension, and acquired 
information with great facility. He could attend the lec- 
tures which have been just named without assuming the 
garb of a mere student, and therefore without dishonour- 
ing the ofiice which he sustained as a Minister and Pastor. 

The Glasgow Circuit, at this time, included the towns 
of Stirling and Ajt. At each of these places one of Mr. 
Newton'^s colleagues resided ; and with them he was accus- 
tomed to exchange pulpits once a month. When his turn 
came to visit Stirling, and to spend some time there, he 
was accompanied by Mrs. Newton. It was winter; and 
the snow hanging on the trees, and resting on the sides 
of the hills, as they passed along, was as chilling as the 
prospect which lay before them ; the cause of Methodism 



44 



LTPE OP THE 



in the town being in such a declining state^ that it was 
resolved^ if the present attempt to revive it did not succeed, 
the preaching should be withdrawn. On their arrival, the 
youthful couple took possession of the single Minister's 
single room, which answered the purpose of a parlour, a 
bed-room, and a dressing-room. Sunday morning came; 
and Mr. Newton, putting on his gown as well as his bands, 
was reported to be a college-bred man,'' and found him- 
self attended by a crowded congregation. His talents as a 
pubhc speaker became a subject of general conversation ; 
and on the next Sabbath-day more people attended than 
the chapel could contain. Of course, Stirling retained its 
position as a Methodist station. 

The time at length arrived for Mr. Newton to visit the 
town of Ayr, where the cause was in a state of prosperity 
under the zealous labours of Mr. Pisher; and this so 
cheered the Superintendent and his wife, who still accom- 
panied him, that they were more than reconciled to their 
humble accommodation, which, as in the case of Stirling, 
was very different from that which was provided for them 
in the mansions of the wealthy farmers in the Howden 
Circuit. Their home in Ayr was the house of a poor 
woman, named Tebby Neale, where they sat down to 
such fare as their kind and thrifty hostess could provide 
out of the young man's allowance of three shillings and 
sixpence a week ; having left their Glasgow income of one 
guinea per week for Nanny and Mr. Fisher. In this 
humble dwelling Mr. Newton looked rather anxiously 
at his wife, in a small room, the walls adorned with a 
map of Jerusalem and an engraving of the crucifixion, 
and the table presenting both plain and scanty fare ; but 
her heart, as well as his own, was gladdened by a sense 



KEY. ROBERT NEWTON^ D.D» 



45 



of the Eedeemer^s love; and both rejoiced, after the 
Saviour's example, to associate with the pious poor, and 
unite with them in acts of spiritual worship. 

In the mean while, the cause of religion advanced 
throughout the Circuit, It was a time of war ; the coun- 
try was threatened with invasion ; general alarm prevailed ; 
earnest prayer was every where offered to God for His 
merciful interposition; and many of the soldiers flocked 
to the Methodist chapels, aware that their opportunities 
for hearing the word of life were of uncertain continuance, 
and therefore ought to be carefully improved. 

At the return of spring, in the year 1804, Mr. Newton 
again went to spend some time in Stirling, where his 
reputation stood so high, that the chapel could not accom- 
modate the crowds who wished to press into it. In this 
emergency, the Magistrates, of their own accord, offered 
him the use of the Town-Hall; and so highly was his 
ministry in that place appreciated, that several gentlemen 
proposed to him, that, in case he would renounce his 
connexion with the Wesleyan body, and adopt the system 
of Congregational Independency, they would erect for him 
a commodious chapel, place themselves under his pastoral 
care, and secure to him in perpetuity a liberal salary. This 
handsome proposal he, of course, respectfully dechned; 
choosing rather to live and die among his own people, 
of whose theology and ecclesiastical order he approved in 
his inmost soul, and the benefits of which he had both 
felt in himself and witnessed in many others. We can 
have no hesitation in saying, that in this case he judged 
wisely, although he could not at that time have any 
apprehension of the wide sphere of labour which he was 
called to occupy in the subsequent years of his life. 



46 



LIPE OF THE 



When Mr. Newton occupied the Town-Hall of Stirling, 
people of every grade and class^ including the military, 
both privates and officers, attended liis ministry; and 
some of the warm-hearted Irish found it difficult so far 
to place their feelings under restraint, as to maintain the 
stillness and decorum of a Scottish assembly in the house 
of God. One poor soldier from the Emerald Isle was so 
impressed under the word, as to utter a deep sigh ; when 
a Scottish lady, unaccustomed to such a sound in a place 
of worship, said to Mrs. Newton, who was sitting by her 
side, What is that ? Is it a dog 

It is well known that the scenery around Stirling is 
romantic and beautiful in a high degree, and that the 
interest of the neighbourhood is greatly enhanced by its 
ancient castle^ which stands upon a rocky eminence. 
During their transitory residence in this place, Mr. and 
Mrs. Newton often walked abroad to enjoy the refreshing 
breezes, and to gaze upon the works of nature and the 
remains of antiquity. One day, while she sat upon a 
stile, taking a sketch of the castle, and he was sketching 
the outline of a sermon, the soldiers before them exer- 
cising the arts of war, such was the feverish state of public 
feehng, that suspicion fell upon them, as persons who 
might be in league with the French, and were preparing 
plans and surveys for the use of the enemy. Glasses 
were therefore called into requisition, both in the castle 
and among the military; and the movements of the 
strangers were strictly observed. Mr. Newton^s appear- 
ance in the pulpit on the Sabbath allayed all suspicion, so 
far as he was concerned ; but Mrs. Newton, with her 
sketch-book and her pencil, was once or twice watched 
to her home by officers, who seemed to think that 



EEY. EGBERT NEWTON^ D.D. 



47 



tlieir duty required tliem to ascertain who and what 
she was. 

During his stay at Stirling^ Mr. Newton^s fame as a 
Preacher spread far and wide in the surrounding country ; 
and many were the invitations which he received to 
minister the Gospel of peace in distant localities. As he 
always delighted in the service of his great Master^ he was 
not unwilling to Hsten to these calls^ when opportunity 
served; and one of his visits to a company of godly 
peasants in North Britain may serve as a specimen of many 
more. Accompanied by ]\Irs. I^ewton,, he left his tem- 
porary home at Stii^Hng^ and a walk of about seven miles 
brought them to the house from which a friendly invi- 
tation had issued^ where they found tea provided for them. 
They then went to a sombre-looking chapel^ which was 
well filled with quiet people^ who heard the word with 
fixed attention^ and at the close of the service requested 
another visit from the Preacher^ and a similar sermon^ as 
soon as possible. The family then assembled for prayer^ 
after which the supper was prepared. It consisted of 
about a gallon of milk-porridge^ which was served up in 
a fine large bowl; the entire party being supplied with 
spoons made of horn. No one suspected that the Minister 
and his lady would be so fastidious as to expect separate 
vessels for themselves ; so that every one stretched out his 
arm and his spoon to the common supply. The strangers 
were then accommodated wdth a comfortable bed in the 
dairy. The next mornings having taken breakfast with 
the friendly folk in their own way^ Mr. and Mrs. Kewton 
returned to Stirhng, tiglily gratified with the view which 
they had obtained of godliness^ hospitality; and domestic 
manners in a Scottish village. 



48 



LIEE OF THE 



The following brief extracts from two letters wliicli Mr. 
Newton sent from Glasgow to his devout and intelligent 
sister Ann^ who was his favourite correspondent^ will serve 
further to exhibit his spirit and circumstances at this period 
of his life : — 

^^Dec. 5th^ 1803. — To hear of the welfare of my dear 
relations always affords me pleasure ; and the more so in 
the present instance^ because I was anxious about my 
father^s health. How gladly would we have visited you 
before we left England^ had it been practicable ! "We are 
now scattered abroad; yet I trust we are all in the same 
fold^ under the care of the same Shepherd. 

We have many privileges here which we cannot have 
in England, I hear all the Divines in the city^ belonging 
to the Established Kirk, who preach alternately every 
Thursday. I hear theological lectures in the Temple on 
Monday evenings, and attend a course of philosophical 
lectures during the whole term. I desire and pray that 
my improvement may correspond with my advantages, and 
trust that my desire for intellectual improvement does not 
diminish my desire for more of the mind that was in Christ 
JesuSe I daily feel that nothing can give real comfort 
without Christ in me the hope of glory. I long for a 
greater conformity to the image of my Lord. 

^^An outward profession of rehgion is fashionable in 
this country ; but I fear only a few know anything of the 
Holy Spirits work in the heart. Here the congregation 
continues to increase. This day I believe it is advertised 
for me to preach a charity-sermon next Sunday ; and this 
is the second time I have been called to preach on such 
occasions. We are at present in good health, although I 
have often been unwell since T came here. 



EEV. ROBEET XEWTOX^ D.D. 



49 



My dear wife unites witli me in sincere regards to our 
parents^ and to j'OU all/^ 

March 5tli, 1804.— How good is the Lord! May 
our souls and bodies concur in the expression of His 
praise ! I hope the work of God continues to prosper in 
and about you^ and that the little cloud increases more 
and more. Truly nothing is too hard for the Lord. I 
had almost given up all hope of good at Eoxby ; but ^ His 
ways are not as our ways, nor His thoughts as our 
thoughts/ How pleasing it is to hear of genuine con- 
versions ! This is the grand end of all our private studies 
and pubhc ministrations. 0 that we may never lose sight 
of this end ! Conversions in this country are rare ; yet 
there are those who experience the trath of our Lord's 
wordS;, ^ In that day ye shall know that I am in the Father^ 
and ye in me, and I in you.'' 

I spent about a month lately at Stirling, where my 
health was very much improved, in compliance with the 
unexpected offer, by the Magistrates, of the Council Chamber 
to preach in, gratis. I am to return, and spend a few more 
Sabbaths with them. If any good be done, it will be well ; 
but the people here would be wise above what is written. 
Whiskey and snufi are the bane of this country. The 
congregations in this city continue to increase ; and hence 
the collections at the chapel-door are considerable. I 
preach five or six tim.es to the same people every week, 
and it is usual to continue about two hours at every 
service. I hear of some who are getting spiritual good, 
and we are adding a few members all along ; but the people 
are so excessively backvvard in speaking on the subject 
of religious experience, that, if they receive good, they are 
afraid to acknowledge it. ^Keep it to yourself,^ is the 

F 



50 



LIPE OP THE 



general maxim of the wicked one ; for no man liglitetli a 
candle to put it under a bushel. Before their conversion^ 
people do not keep their ungodliness to themselves. 

" The friends here almost insist upon it^ that, I shall 
remain with them another year ; but^ as Glasgow does not 
agree with my healthy I think I shall remove^ although I 
have many advantages here which I cannot expect else- 
where. Thy wiU^ O Lord,, be done ! 

April 8th will be the general sacrament here^ when we 
shall have strangers from all the region round about. I 
hope John goes on well,, redeeming the time/^ 

It will be observed that Mr. Newton here speaks of the 
failure of his healthy and of his purpose to leave the Circuit 
at the ensuing Conference. The fact is^ the sedentary life 
which he was compelled to lead^ especially in Glasgow^ 
where his time was mostly spent^ agreed neither with his 
mental nor his bodily constitution. He was formed for 
active service^ in body as well as in mind^ and could not 
bear habitual confinement within doors. In Glasgow he 
was afflicted with indigestion^ and such derangement of the 
biliary organs as produced distressing sickness. The fact 
is^ he was overworked^ studying day and nighty and attending 
college-lectures^ which required much thought. He there- 
fore determined^ when his year at Glasgow was ended^ to 
request of the Conference an appointment to an EngUsh 
Circuity where he would be in reality what he was in name^ 
— a Travelling Preacher. 

The Conference of this year was held in London ; and 
Mr. Newton^ accompanied by his wife^ repaired thither to 
attend its sittings^ and was again deeply interested in the 
business wliich came before that assembly of his fathers 
and brethren in the Gospel, and no less in the sermons 



EEY. EOBEET SEVTIoy, D.D. 51 

xvMcli were deKvered on that occasion. At tliis Conference 
a considerable number of yonng men ^"ere admitted on 
triab as candidates for the mhiistry. and among the rest 
Mr. John Z\ewton. the vonngest brother of Eobert : so 
that Mr, and ^vlrs, Xewton^ of Soxby^ had four sons in the 
Wesleyan ministry ; two of whom^ Booth and Eobert^ had 
already acquired considerable celebrity by their talents and 
usefulness^ and the other two^ Jacob and Jolin^ were also 
men of high promise, Jacobs like his elder brothers^ 
Booth and Eobert^ was tall^ robust^ and well-proportioned, 
with a strong manly vc " ' " of fair complexion. John 
was not so taE as any three brothers. He had a 

voice much resemblin;^ , but of less power. He 

possessed good and useful talents as a Preacher^ and com- 
manded a considerable dej2:ree of respect and esteem in the 
various stations which he occupied in the Wesleyan body. 

After his return from Scotland^ Z\ir. Xewton received 
an indirect rebutO; for which he was perhaps not pre- 
pared, Mrs, Xewton was in a somewhat large company 
of TVesleyan Ministers and friends in London^ when 'Mi\ 
Benson^ not being aware of the facts of ilr, Xewton's 
case, nor of his wife^s presence, said^ in a tone which 
indicated displeasure, ^^The Connexion will be ruined in 
its nuances, if our present conrse of expenditure continue. 
TVe send men, for instance, to Scotland ; and they return 
at the earhest possible opportunity. There is t/iat XeKton^ 
who has jn.st returned at the end of twelve Uionths.''^ 
Mrs. Xewton, whose modesty had hitherto imposed silence 
upon her, gently s: _e reason why Mr, Xewton has 

returned, is the loss of ins health, Eut^ so far as he is 
personally concerned, no fimd will suffer ; for he has bor- 
rowed the money to meet the expenses of his return, and 



52 



LIFE OF THE 



will himself repay the entire amount/'' Mr. Benson^ who 
had been prompted to make the remark by a righteous 
jealousy^ perceiving that he had partly mistaken the case, 
and that the female advocate of Mr. Newton probably stood 
in a near and tender relation to him^ dropped the subject. 
He lived long enough to know that that Newton/^ of 
whom he had been inchned to entertain an unfavourable 
opinion^ was one of the last persons in the world to leave 
any post of duty under the influence of selfish motives; 
and was so far from injuring the fands of the Connexion,, 
that he did more to replenish them than almost any ten 
men of his times. 

After Mr. Newton^s return from Scotland^ and before he 
went to his new appointment^ he paid a visit to some of his 
friends in the Howden Circuity who were greatly impressed 
with the improvement which was observable in his minis- 
try. Por three successive years they had admired his 
preachings and profited by it ; but his views of evangelical 
truth were now more enlarged and comprehensive^ and 
his manner of preaching it was more convincing and 
impressive. His friend Mr, Toase^ also^ in the letter to 
which reference has already been made^ says : I came 
into the ministry five years later than he did. During 
those five years he visited his family annually, and his 
friends always perceived considerable progress in his minis- 
terial abilities. I often met him afterwards, in his visits 
to the various Circuits of the Connexion, and always 
found him the same kind friend that he was in his youth, 
when we m.et in our native villages on the moors of 
Yorksliireo"' 



EEV. EOBEET S^EWIOSj D.D. 



53 



CHAPTEE lY. 

At the Conference of 1804 Mr. Newton was appointed 
to the Eotherham Circuity under the superintendency of the 
Rev. John Crook^ a man of exemplary zeal and fidelity ; 
having acquired in the Wesley an Connexion the honour- 
able title of the Apostle of the Isle of Man/^ because 
he was the chief means^ under the counsel and sanction 
of ilr. Wesley^ of introducing Methodist preaching into 
the island^ and of organizing Societies in the principal 
towns and ^dllages. With such a colleague Mr. Newton 
was eminently happy and thankful. 

He and his family took possession of a very small house^ 
which the Circuit had provided for the second Preacher. 
It had just been vacated by the Eev. Joseph Collier^ 
whose wife is well remembered to have exemphfied the 
ad\dce of the devout Herbert^ — 

Let tliy mind's sweetness have its operation 
Upon thj clothes and food and habitation." 

The house was inconvenient^ but was left by Mrs. Collier 
in a state of the most perfect cleanliness ; and the plain 
furniture^ wliich contained no superfluity in any depart- 
ment^ was in a condition of perfect order and repair. Mrs. 
Newton^ who was at that time young in the ]\Iethodist 
itinerancy^ regarded her predecessor at Eotherham as an 
example which she ought to imitate as the wife of a Me- 
thodist Preacher^ who should, from time to time, alternately 
occupy and vacate houses belonging to the Circuits. 

jMt. Newton had not been long in his new sphere 
of labour^ before he perceived that his lot was cast among 

r 3 



54 



LIFE OE THE 



a people who were prepared to receive the truth. The 
congregations generally increased^ especially in the town 
of Eotherliam^ where the erection of a new chapel was 
indispensable^ in order that the crowds who wished to hear 
might be accommodated. He felt himself therefore at 
home in his work ; and his frequent intercourse with his 
brother Jacobs v^ho then laboured in the neighbouring 
Circuit of Doncaster^, afforded liim sincere gratification. 
He had now acquired some considerable experience as a 
Methodist Preacher^ and was therefore able to afford 
seasonable counsel and help to one in whose welfare and 
success he could not but feel a lively interest. In the 
early part of Decem^ber^ therefore^ when he had been in his 
Circuit only about three months^ he addressed his faitliful 
sister Ann in the following joyous and hopeful strain : — 
I have met with the kindest reception in every part= 
of this Circuit. Our congregations are very large. It 
may indeed be said^ ^ They fly as a cloudy and as doves to 
their windows.^ In Eotherham we are under the pleasing 
necessity of enlarging our borders, by building a new 
chapel. I m^ade proposals to the congregation in the 
evening of the last Sabbath-day; and the sum of about 
two hundred guineas has been already subscribed* If ever 
I had need to remember the rock whence I was hewn^ I 
m sure I have now. I trusty however^ that I was never 
more sensible than I am at present that I have nothing 
but what I have received. 

My health is much better than form_erly. The exercise 
of riding does me much good. I beheve another year in 
Glasgow would have destroyed me. 

I am glad to hear that our brother Thomas has begun 
to speak in public. Were I near him^ I should rejoice to 



EEV. EOBEILT >^EWTON; D.D. 



53 



afford him any assistance in my power. I had a good 
letter from my brother John the other day. I had no 
conception that he conid write such a letter. I see my 
brother Jacob regularly once a month. He is going on 
well^ and expresses much gratitude for any little assistance 
that I endeavour to give liim in respect of the work in 
which we are both engaged. We enjoy every comfort 
in Eotherham^ and are poor in nothing but thankfubiess. 
Brother Booth seems very comfortable with Mr. Pawson. 

I am glad to hear that my good father^s health is so 
well established. I think it is probable that you will not 
continue at Eoxby long. May the mse and gracious 
Providence that has liitherto been with us still direct us 
all in that which is best ! My wife unites with me in 
most affectionate regards to you all.''^ 

The project which is mentioned in this letter was carried 
into effect. The old chapel in Eotherham was taken 
down^ and one of much larger dimensions erected on its 
site. Two commodious houses also^ for the use of the 
Ministers and their families^ were built upon the same 
premises ; so that a new impulse was given to the cause 
of true religion, in its Methodistic form, in Eotherham and 
its neighbourhood. 

The second year that Mr. ISTewton spent in the Eother- 
ham Ciicuit was a season of considerable prosperity and 
blessing. Mr. John S. Pipe was his Superintendent, a 
man of great zeal and energy, and of good abilities as a 
Preacher. The Societies walked in peace and love, and 
at the end of the year presented an increase of nearly one 
hundred members. 

The time having come for his removal, he bade farewell 
to his friends in the Circuit, among whom were several 



56 



LIPE OF THE 



who owned him as their spiritual father ; and these^ with 
many others^ followed him with theu' prayers and blessings. 
He left in the churchyard of Rotherham the remains of a 
child^ who died in infancy ; and repaired to Sheffield, where 
he was next appointed to labour^ and where he had as liis 
colleagues the Rev. John Barber and Peter Haslam. Mr. 
Barber was a man of plain speech and manners, but of 
strong sense, of strict integrity, of an affectionate disposi- 
tion, and entirely devoted to his work. Mr. Haslam was 
comparatively young in years. He was a man of deep and 
fervent piety, a hard student, an instructive and impressive 
Preacher, and of great promise in the Wesleyan ministry. 
His career was brilliant, but of short duration. The year 
that he spent with Messrs. Barber and Newton in 
Sheffield was his last in the active service of his Divine 
Master. With such colleagues Mr. Newton could not 
be otherwise than eminently happy. They had before 
them an encouraging field of labour, a town teeming 
with inhabitants, the people being mostly employed in 
manufactures, so as to be under no restraint from their 
employers with regard to the places of worship which they 
chose to attend. Increased accommodation, for the exer- 
cise of the Wesleyan ministry in the town, was provided 
by the erection of the noble chapel in Carver-street, which 
had been opened about twelve months ; and Mr. Newton, 
with his esteemed colleagues, laboured in harmony, and 
with encouraging success. 

Wlien he entered upon his labours in the Sheffield 
Circuit, he found that there was a di^dsion of opinion 
among the members of the Society on some subjects; 
and, in fact, that they were divided in their judgments 
concerning him. Some of them alleged that he was not 



HEY. EOBERT NEWTON^ D.D. 



57 



a Eevivalistj and otliers were displeased that his dress^ 
in respect of its shape^ did not exactly accord with theii- 
own. Without giving himseE any direct concern about 
these things^ he commenced his ministry in Sheffield with 
a sermon on Gal. vi. 14 : God forbid that I should 
glory^ save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christy by whom 
the world is crucified unto me_, and I unto the world 
thus presenting to the people a fair specimen of his doc« 
trine and spirit. As he proceeded in his work^ the people 
perceived that he manifestly preached for the one purpose 
of promoting their salvation; that the unction of God 
was upon him ; that Divine power attended his word ; that 
he was mighty in prayer ; that his ministry was successful 
in the conversion of ungodly men^ and in the comfort 
and establishment of the children of God. The conse- 
quence was^ that the men who had opposed his appoint- 
ment felt they had done wrong ; not a -few of them 
waited upon liim^ confessed their error and faulty acknow- 
ledged that they had been mistaken, asked liis forgiveness^ 
and requested his acceptance of various articles of Sheffield 
manufacture, which they wished to present to him as an 
expression of their esteem and love. Some of these arti- 
cles were in themselves of no great value, but they were 
accepted by Mr. Newton as tokens of a feeling — the 
feehng of holy love — which, in the sight of God and in 
reality, is of more permanent and substantial worth than 
all the precious metals in existence. They shall perish, 
but this feeling wiU be an element in the happiness of the 
blessed for ever. 

It is not surprising that Mv. Newton should have van- 
quished the hostility of prejudiced parties in Sheffield, 
when we consider the spirit by which he was actuated, 



58 



LIFE OF THE 



and the manner in which he discharg-ed his official duties. 
The following account of his ministry in Sheffield is given 
by one who was a witness of it^ and who shared in its 
benefits. The Eev. William Smithy who' has long been 
successfully engaged in the Yfesleyan ministry^ and now 
superintends one of its most important Circuits, says, in 
a letter which he kindly sent to the writer of these 
Memoirs, — 

By the appointment of the Conference of 1806, Shef- 
field, my native town, was blessed with the ministry of 
three extraordinary men: — the Eev. John Barber, the 
venerable Superintendent of the Circuit, was rich in expe- 
rience, and ripe in wisdom; the Eev. Peter Haslam, of 
whom it was said, that he gave his hatred to nothing but 
sin, and his trust to none but Christ ; and the Eev. Eobert 
K'ewton, who, though last, was not the least. His fame 
having preceded him to his new^ field of labour, his con- 
gregations w^ere crowded to excess. The power of his 
eloquence, liis popular address, his imposing manners, and 
the richness of his theme — the cross of Christ — ^v/ere all 
brought to bear upon the masses of people around him 
with irresistible effect. A spirit of inquiry was excited, 
and the question was eagerly put by many a conscience- 
stricken sinner, ^What must I do to be saved ?^ And 
the Lord added to the church daily such as willingly 
received the truth. I, sinful and unworthy, was among 
the number. My dear mother, whose Christian life v/as 
characterized by deep piety, brought up her children in 
the nurture and admonition of the Lord. She taught 
us to respect and venerate the Ministers of Christ, and 
enforced upon us the duty of a regular attendance upon 
the house of God. One evening' in the Carver-street 



EEV. EOBEUT NEi;rTOX^ D.D. 



cliapel^ Mr. Xewton took for his text^ John ix. 4 : ^ I 
must ^ork the works of Him that sent me^ wliile it is 
day : the night cometh^ when no man can work/ On 
that occasion he was eminently a messenger from God^ 
to whom was committed the word of reconciliation. His 
appeals, especially to the young of his congregation, were 
direct and pungent. The light of God^'s truth, that memo- 
rable evening, darted into many a youthful heart; and, 
exhibiting the hideous deformity of sin in contrast to the 
Diwine purity, it made them exceedingly ^ fear and quake,^ 
as the scenes in the subsequent prayer-meeting testified. 
My mind was so borne down by a sense of God^s dis- 
pleasure, and so filled with fearfal apprehensions of future 
misery, that, turning to my beloved parent, I said, Mother, 
let us go away. I am so overwhelmed with sorrow, that 
if I stay any longer, I shall cry aloud, and disturb the 
congregation.'' About a month after this time I was 
brought to the Saviour, and, beheving in Him, I found 
rest to my soul. 

" At that time his ministry was replete with instruction, 
and not unfi^equently attended by an unction which ren- 
dered it all but irresistible. He did not preach as if he 
thought that the simple exposition of the truth was his 
only duty in the pulpit. He addressed himself to the 
understandings, the consciences, the fears, and hopes 
of the people ; and, by his powerful appeals, sthred the 
very depths of the soul, filling his hearers with alarm and 
terror, and rendering them unable to find any rest till they 
had come to Christ and obtained redemption tlirough His 
blood, the forgiveness of sins. The effect of liis preaching 
was heightened by the veneration which was everywhere 
felt for his character; his spirit and deportment demon- 



60 



LIPE or THE 



strating tlie depth of his piety. It was next to impossible 
to spend any time in conversation with him^ without per- 
ceiving that his intercourse with God was intimate and 
sanctifying. He dwelt in God^ and God in him ; and the 
principle of Divine love^ thence arising^ so filled and per- 
vaded his mind^ as to give an air of sanctity to his entire 
demeanour^ which it is difficult to express. It is therefore 
no wonder that the pleasure of the Lord prospered in his 
hands^ and that many were through his instrumentality 
turned to righteousness.^^ 

To this statement it must be added^ that when Mr. 
Newton went to Sheffield the vulgar infidelity of Paine 
was extensively prevalent among the working-classes in that 
town; and that the fame of his eloquence drew multitudes 
of the disciples of that daring unbeliever to the Methodist 
chapels^ where they heard words whereby many of them 
were saved. Mr. Nevfton^ in the course of his public 
ministry^ gave such views of the real nature of the Gospeb 
of its Divine authority^ and of the benefits which result 
from a cordial and practical reception of it^ that many 
of its blasphemers were not only turned to Christ as 
their Saviour^ and made new men in Him^ but the 
tide of popular opinion^ to a great and encouraging 
extent; was turned in its favour; so that those who 
did not in heart receive the truth ceased to revile it. 
The preaching of Mr. Newton was acknowledged to 
be one principal means of producing this important 
change in the public sentiment. 

At the Conference of 1807^ Mr. Haslam removed from 
Sheffield to Liverpoob where he died^ somewhat suddenly^ 
in the month of May following ; and Mr. Bunting took 
his place in the Sheffield Circuity as the fellow-labourer 



KEY. EGBERT >'ETn:OX^ D.D. 61 

of Messrs. Barber and Ne^on. This was^ in every 
respect^ a happy association^ and one upon which great 
results were made to depend^ such as the Conference never 
contemplated^ and such as had not entered into the 
thoughts of the parties concerned. Jabez Bunting and 
Eobert Xewton were designed to exert a greater influence 
upon the practical working of Wesleyan Methodism^ than 
any two men that were ever connected with it since the 
time of the TTesleys; and therefore to place them toge- 
ther^ thus early in life^ in tliis intimate relation^ was a 
matter of the utmost importance^ both to themselves and 
the cause with wliich they were identified. By this asso- 
ciation they obtained a thorough knowledge of each other ; 
and that knowledge soon ripened into a perfect friendship. 
They cherished for each other the most cordial affection, 
and each of them had an entire confidence in the other's 
integrity; and this affection and confidence^ we believe, 
never suffered a moment's interruption^ and never in the 
shghtest degree abated, till they were severed by death. 
They were one in judgment on all matters connected with 
Methodism, and they were no less one in mind and heart. 
Mr. Bunting soon acquned a leading influence, both 
among the Ministers and la^Tiien of the Wesleyan com- 
munity. He has been charged with hostility to the just 
rights of the people. The charge was originated for 
sinister purposes, and has been echoed by persons who 
know neither the man nor his communications. He has 
done more to engage lay agency, in the Methodist Con- 
nexion, and therefore to extend lay influence in the body, 
than any other man of his age ; and that not only with 
regard to the management of its Toreign Missions, but 
of the work at home; and in all liis purposes, in both 

G 



62 



LIFE OF THE 



respects^ he had the efficient support of his friend and 
ally Robert Newton. 

Had these gifted men cherished a mutual jealousy^ and 
set themselves to counteract each other^s influence^ and 
to establish rival interests in the body^ the consequences 
must have been most disastrous to the common cause. 
But they were "true yoke-fellows/'^ disinterested and 
unselfish in their purposes and plans^ devoting their emi- 
nent talents to the public good^ seeking no earthly reward, 
and laying at their Saviour^s feet all the honours which their 
services commanded. They were exactly adapted to each 
other. If one planned, the other executed ; and they 
acted in harmony, nearly half a century, with a zeal and 
ability which have gained for them the esteem and thank- 
fulness of their contemporaries, and will insure the admi- 
ration of posterity. Their appointment to labour together 
in the Sheffield Circuit, in the year 1807, formed the 
basis of their sanctified friendship, — a friendship in which 
their families also have largely participated. 

From Sheffield Mr. Newton removed to Huddersfield, 
at the Conference of 1808, where he was again invested 
with the office of Superintendent; his brother Jacob 
being one of his colleagues. In this new appointment 
he applied himself, with unabated diligence and fidelity, 
to the duties of his ministry ; and his preaching was 
not only highly appreciated, but rendered an abundant 
blessing to multitudes. Here he formed some sancti- 
fied and lasting friendships with devoted Christians, the 
excellent of the earth; most of whom have finished 
their earthly course, and now sleep in Jesus. Among 
his most intimate friends we may specify the late Mr. 
Timothy Bentley, Mr. George Wilson, and Mr. Thornton. 



EEV. EOBEE-T ]SEWTON^ D.D. 



63 



The case of Mr. Wilson merits a special record. Tlie 
son of a pious Methodist mother^ he was for many years 
an eminently ungodly man ; a frequenter of public-houses, 
a play-goer, a jovial companion, a wit, and a mimic. One 
Sunday afternoon, his wife, being overtaken by a shoAver 
of rain, and seeing the Methodist chapel in Huddersfield 
open, entered it for shelter. Mr. I^ewton was conducting 
the service; and she was greatly struck with his ap- 
pearance and manner, thinking that he bore a strong 
resemblance to Kemble, whose theatrical powers she had 
often witnessed in London. The word reached her con- 
science, and she returned home anxious and distressed, 
told her husband where she had been, and insisted upon it 
that he should accompany her to hear this extraordinary 
Preacher. He consented; and the result was, that both 
were awakened, joined the Society, and found peace with 
God. Mr. Wilson soon became as eminent for piety, as 
he had been for ungodliness. He was zealous in the cause 
of Methodism, a liberal supporter of its institutions, a 
Local Preacher, and one principal means of the erection 
in Huddersfield of one of the largest and most handsome 
chapels in the Connexion, towards the expenses of which 
he was a very large contributor. Por many years he 
adorned liis religious profession, at length died in the 
Lord, and on the occasion of his decease a sermon was 
preached by Mr. Newton, on the well-known wish of 
Balaam, Let me die the death of the righteous^ and let 
my last end be Kke his.''^ 

In Huddersfield Mr. Newton had the affliction to witness 
the failure of his brother Jacobus health, and the consequent 
cessation of his pubhc services as a Methodist Preacher. 
He ruptured a blood-vessel, so as to be permanently 

G 2 



64 



LIFE OF THE 



disqualified for his work ; and at length entered into busi- 
ness at Eotherham, where he spent the remainder of his life. 

Here^ also^ another attempt was made to alienate Mr. 
Newton from the people of his confidence and affection. 
An uncle of Mrs. Newton, who had been her guardian, 
paid a visit to the family, and, for the first time in his life, 
attended Divine worship in a Methodist chapel, where he 
heard the husband of liis niece. He expressed his admira- 
tion of Mr. Newton^s talents, and his approval of the 
choice wliich she had made of him as her husband. At 
the same time, he expressed his regret that such a man 
should be a Methodist Preacher, and proposed that, with- 
out delay, he should be transferred to the Established 
Church; adding, "I will be at the expense of building him 
a church in London, or in any other place that he may 
prefer ; and there is no doubt that some one of the Bishops 
can be prevailed upon to ordain him. But if not, he may 
sustain a position like that of Mr. Eowland Hill, using the 
form of worship that is practised in the National Churchy 
but without episcopal jurisdiction/^ To this proposal Mrs, 
Newton replied, that her husband^s attachment to the 
Methodists was so strong and conscientious, that he never 
could be happy in any other religious community. This 
statement ended the conversation; and Eobert Newton 
lived and died a Methodist Preacher. 

A letter which he received, about the same time, from 
an aged Minister in a neighbouring Circuit, contained 
sentiments respecting the work in which they were both 
engaged, which w^ere in full accordance mth the feehngs 
of his own heart. The friends at Hepworth, in the Hud- 
dersfield Circuit, having erected a new chapel, desired to 
have the assistance of the Eev. Thomas Taylor, who was 



EEV. SOBEET NETTTOX^ B.B. 



65 



then resident in TTakefield^ in tlie opening services^ and 
requested their Superintendent to write to him to that 
effect. Mr. Taylor was a tall^ muscular man_, of strong 
sense and tried fidehty^ who had borne his full share 
in the hard toil and the severe privations which were 
connected with the Methodist ministry in its early ex- 
istence. The following is the answer which this Chiistian 
veteran returned to Mr. Xewton^s application : — 

April 21st^ 1S09. — I am much obliged to you and 
our friends at Hepwortli for their kind invitation to the 
opening of their new chapel^ which I rejoice that they have 
raised ; but I am engaged^ just about that time^ to be at 
Sheffield and J^ottingham ; that is^ to take Sheffield in my 
way to Nottingham ; and^ as I am obliged to take very 
short stages on horseback^ it takes me a long time to make 
a short jom^ney. I used to travel from Sheffield to Not- 
tingham to dinner ; and now it is a three days^ journey. 
Such is the result of forty-nine years^ travellings and 
often^ in the beginnings with cold rooms and damp beds ! 
Yet all is too little for so good^ so kind^ and patient a 
Master. 

I am the last of the poor old pioneers ; for my com- 
pany before is gone^ and 1 hope to overtake them. 

"NoWs my brother^ you have the honour of being a 
soldier in the grand army. Fight the good fight of faith. 
Keep the good dejjositiwiy the experience^ the doctrine^ and 
the disciphne of the Methodists ; that is^ of the Scriptures, 
In so doings thou slialt save thine own soul^ and them that 
hear thee. The Lord bless you and yours ! I am your 
aff'ectionate friend and brother.''^ 

The advice which is contained in the concluding sen- 
tences of this epistle was not lost upon TVIr. Newton. No 

G 3 



66 



LIFE OF THE 



man ever Kved who was more faithful to his trust as a 
Methodist Preacher than he. 

During his second year in the Huddersfield Circuit, 
Mr. Newton had as one of bis colleagues the Eev. 
John Kershaw, to whose ministry and conversation he 
was indebted, under God, for his first religious awaken- 
ings, and for whom, both on this and other accounts, 
he cherished a just and sincere regard. They laboured 
together in peace and harmony, and with encouraging 
success. Mr. Kershaw survived his friend Newton, and 
died at Stoke-Newington in the ninetieth year of his age. 
He was eminently a man of peace, and fulfilled the duties 
of the Wesleyan ministry, with undeviating faithfulness 
and consistency, for nearly fifty years. His sermons were 
usually brief, but instructive and edifying, and were de- 
livered in short and pithy sentences, which all could 
understand. 

Having spent two years in Huddersfield, Mr. Newton 
repaired to London, to attend the sittings of the Conference, 
expecting, of course, to be removed to another field 
of labour. At this Conference an incident occurred 
which, for the time, gave him considerable uneasiness, 
but which greatly tended to raise him in the estimation 
of his brethren. It is thus described by his faithful 
friend, Jacob Owen, Esq., now of Dublin, but then of 
Portsmouth 

I first met my honoured friend at the Conference held 
in London, in the year 1810, on which occasion we were 
the guests of the excellent Joseph Butterworth, then 
residing in his house of business in Pleet-street. The late 
Dr. Dermott was associated with Mr. Newton; and they 
both slept in the same room. The President, the Eev. 



EEY. EOBEET XEWTCN; D.D. 



67 



Joseph Benson^ very unexpectedly^ and witliont any pre\d- 
ous notice, announced^ on the Saturday^ that brother 
Robert Xewton would preach before the Conference the 
next mornings in the City-road chapeL Poor XeTrton 
returned to liis domicile much dispirited; and^ the next 
mornings Dr. Dermott^ who &st joined the breakfast-party^ 
said he beheved that liis brother IX'ewton had not slept for 
a single moment all night; and the haggard appearance 
of ]Mr. Xewton^ on his entrance into the breakfast-room^ 
fully corroborated the report. 

^^I had the satisfaction of hearing the sermon^ which 
was listened to with intense interest^ and produced as great 
an effect on the congregation^ which included a large num- 
ber of Ministers^ as I ever witnessed either before or since. 
Among the Preachers there were several who had endured 
many hardships^ privations^ and persecutions in the cause 
of Methodism^ especially in its early days. Mr. Xewton 
appeared somewhat embarrassed on ascending the pulpit^ 
which was not unnatural in so young a man^ who 
was called to address such an audience. The sermon 
was delivered with great simplicity and force. The 
comparative youth of the Preaclier^ his prepossessing 
appearance^ and the sonorousness of his incomparable 
voice^ added much to the effect of his address; which^ 
however^ was dehvered with so much power^ as to excite the 
admiration^, and even astonishment-, of that vast assembly.^"' 

At this Conference he was appointed to the Holmfirth 
Circuity which was then formed by a separation from Hud- 
dersfield^ and the Piev. John Brown was his colleague. The 
people in Holmfirth and its neighbourhood were mostly 
engaged in manufacturing operations^ and did not gene- 
rally affect the refinements of polished and fashionable 



68 



LIFE OF THE 



society ; but among the people wlio attended the Methodist 
chapels were many persons of powerful intellect^ who 
understood the Scriptures, were well versed in Cln-istian 
theology, and accurately acquainted with the various points 
at issue between different bodies of religious professors : so 
that the Ministers who laboured among them were under 
a constant stimulus to excel in their pulpit-performances, 
well knowing that the matter of every sermon would be 
duly scanned by their hearers. 

What Mr. Newton was in the Holmfirth Circuit is 
declared in the beautiful and graphic account which has 
been kindly furnished by his colleague. He was then/^ 
says Mr. Brown, " in the prime of life, possessed of extra- 
ordinary vigour both of body and mind ; and, as I lived in 
his family, I had the opportunity of seeing and conversing 
with him daily, and of observing his domestic walk and 
conversation, as well as of forming an acquaintance with 
his private studies and public services. I well recollect 
that, on his coming down stairs on a Sunday morning, his 
usual reply to my inquiry concerning his health was, with 
an expression of gratitude, ^ I am strong to labour."* He 
was open, kind, generous, exhibiting constant serenity 
of temper. Towards Mrs. Newton especially his whole 
behaviour was marked, in a very high degree, by respectful 
attention and tender regard. 

" The first time that I saw him in the pulpit was on a 
Sunday evening, in the old chapel at Holmfirth. He 
commenced the service by giving out the hymn beginning, 

' Eternal Power, whose high abode 
Becomes the grandeur of a God, 
Infinite lengths beyond the bounds 
Where stars revolve their little rounds 1* 



EEV. EOBEET ^'E^OX^ D.D. 



69 



His person^ countenance^ eye^ manner^ tlie ricli mellow 
tones of liis musical voice^ the natural and appropriate 
emphasis^ joined to tlie sublimity of the sentiments,, were 
all calculated to make a permanent impression. Kearly 
forty-four eventful years have rolled over me since that 
time j yet I can vividly recall him to my mind^s eye^ as he 
then appeared. In his address all was nature ; he spoke 
from head to foot, and gave a grace to everything that he 
uttered. 

He was remarkably communicative. I beheve he 
never composed a sermon, during the time I was with him, 
of which he did not either tell me the outline, or read to 
me what he had written of it. How often have I seen 
lihn come out of the walk at Bing^s-TTood, with a gentle 
s'vving of the arm, and a slight jerk of the thumb, as if he 
were tossing a marble or a cherry-stone from it ! He would 
thus accost me : ^ I have got a new text ) and then repeat 
the plan of the discourse, so far as he had formed it in his 
mind. He would then go into the parlour, where Mrs. 
Newton and the children were sitting, place himself before 
his desk, and commit his thoughts to paper. He generally 
wrote his sermons at ftill length. This I know from the 
actual inspection of his manuscripts ; and I have reason to 
believe that at Holmfirth not a few of those discourses 
were prepared, with which, through a long succession of 
years, he charmed and edified the vast congregations wliich 
crowded to hear him. 

"While at Holmfirth he read much, especially divinity, 
taking particular pleasure in volumes of good sermons ; 
and I was often surprised at the readiness with wliich he 
made himseK acquainted with the contents of the books 
that came under his notice. In these early years of his 



70 



LIPE OP THE 



ministry^ by reading and hard studr^ lie accumulated those 
stores of Divine knowledge^ from which he so copiously 
produced things new and old^ for so many years^ to the 
edification and delight of the crowds who hung upon his 
lips. 

"Wliilst he was at Holmfirth an outpouring of the 
Holy Spirit took place^ and there was a considerable 
ingathering to the Societies. The people flocked to hear 
the word; and at the class-meetings^ many of which I 
attended^ there was often felt 

' The' o'erwhelming power of saving grace.' 

I have seen persons^ as if overpowered^ heaving deep sighs, 
or uttering a soft inward groan, without crjdng aloud, or 
making any tumult. 

"One evening I accompanied him to a country place, 
where he was appointed to preach. The service was held 
in a private house. On such occasions no seats were either 
provided, or even thought of. Every chair, bench, table, 
or other article of furniture that could be moved, was 
cleared away, to make standing-room for the congregation. 
The service began, and the room was literally crammed. 
A voice from without cried, Mr. IN'ewton, there are as 
many outside as in/ He answered, ^WiU any of you 
open his house ?^ A person instantly answered, ^ I will 
open mine."" Mr. Newton then requested me to go and 
preach. We had two crowded congregations, separated 
only by a wall. The power of God was manifested, a 
flame was kindled, and in a short time no less than sixty 
persons were brought into the Society in that neigh- 
bourhood. 

"During our connexion in the Holmfirth Circuit, 



REV. EGBERT yE^VTON^ D.D. 



71 



I tliink I must have heard him preach a hundred times. 
AVe heard each other every other Sunday evening at Holm- 
firth. I often accompanied him to his appointments on 
the week-day evenings^ and we frequently held what 
were called double lectures^ — two sermons being delivered 
during the same service^ — and these often proved times 
of spiritual refreshing. I was in the habit of writing 
down in my jouimal an outline of the sermons which 
I heard him preachy many of which are now in my 
possession. 

If he was great on great occasions^ he was not less so 
as an every-day preacher. The poorest and most unlearned 
of his hearers listened to him with delight. A plain man^ 
a weaver^ I remember^ once accosted him thus : ^ Maister 
Xughton, yo^ always tak^ plain texts a plain proof that 
whatever text he took^ he made the subject plain to the 
man^s understanding. I have frequently heard the remark^ 
can remember more of Mr. jNiewton^'s sermons than 
those of any other man.^ On reviewing my record of his 
discourses^ I am again impressed with the plain^ pointed^ 
faithful^ experimental^ and practical character of his preach- 
ing. He always gave a full and just exposition of his text^ 
applying the doctrines and duties deduced from it with 
earnestness to the consciences of the people ; his sole aim 
being the conversion of sinners and the edification of 
behevers. In this respect he was a model to his brethren 
and successors in the ministry. 

^^He had^ indeed^ every advantage of person and of 
voice ] and some persons have attributed his eminence^ as a 
public speaker^ to these natural qualifications only; but 
this is as absurd as to suppose that the materials of a 
building, collected in one place^ should move^ and form 



72 



LIFE OP THE 



themselves into a magnificent edifice. He was, especially 
in early life, before he was brought into uninterrupted 
public service, a diligent student, and a careful observer of 
the best examples of effective preaching/^ 

Such was his proficiency in Divine knowledge, and his 
celebrity as a Preacher, that he was frequently requested to 
afford his aid in behalf of different charities ; and during 
his residence in Holmfirth, the venerable Joseph Benson, 
then the President of the Conference, selected him as one 
of the men who should preach a course of sermons before 
their brethren, at the time of their next annual assembhng ; 
the sermon which he had delivered before them in the City- 
road chapel, a few months before, having given ample 
proof of his fitness for the service. The subjects which 
Mr. Benson selected to be discoursed upon, embraced the 
great outlines of evangelical truth. They were too nume- 
rous to be all successfully discussed during the sittings of 
one Conference, and were therefore extended to two. Some 
of the sermons were published in the Methodist Magazine, 
and others in a separate form. The subjects which were 
assigned to Mr. Newton were, the Immortality of the 
human Soul, and the Eesurrection of the Body; and a 
sermon embracing these two points he addressed to the 
Conference in Leeds, in the year 1812, when his friend 
Mr. Bunting delivered his justly-celebrated sermon on Jus- 
tification, which has often been reprinted. Mr. Newton^s 
sermon was not committed to the press, but was every way 
worthy of that distinction. 

Before he left the Holmfirth Circuit, he was subjected to 
painful trials, arising from the agitated state of society in 
his neighbourhood. The protracted war, which arose out 
of the French Revolution^ was still prosecuted ; provisions 



HEY. IIOBEET XE^TOX^ D.D. 



73 



were dear ; tlie priYations of tlie poor were scYere ; dis- 
affection to the existing GoYermnent was deep-rooted and 
widely spread^ exasperated by inflammatorY publications. 
An imaginary personage^ bearing the name of General Ludd^ 
was said to be arranging liis plans for the cure of existing 
cylIs^ and to aYcnge the cause of the poor. A gentleman^ 
named Horsfall^ returning home one CYening, was shot in 
his gig ; marauding parties sallied forth during the nighty 
breaking machinery in factories^ stealing fire-arms in priYate 
houses-, and plundering defenceless families. The fire-arms 
that were thus collected^ professedly in the name and 
behalf of General Ludd^ could not be discovered. It was 
at length suspected that the roof of a chapel in Mr. Xew- 
ton^s Cncuit was occupied as a depot for this kind of 
stolen property. It was accordingly searched^ but no fire- 
arms were found; yet the answers of the chapel-keeper^ 
when questioned on the subject^ were so equivocal and 
unsatisfactory,, as to produce an impression that^ with his 
connivance, the place had been so occupied. He wa? 
therefore dismissed from his situation. 

A more sincere friend of the poor did not then exist 
than was Mr. Newton ; but he knew that acts of violence 
would not improve their condition, and therefore bore a 
faithful testimony against these lawless proceedings, and 
warned the people against them. On tliis account, as well 
as on account of the dismissal of the chapel-keeper^ he was 
understood to be an object of hostility among the adherents 
of General Ludd, and not a few of his friends were alarmed 
for his safety; yet he was not a man that would shrink 
from the discharge of his duty, in any circumstances, how- 
ever perilous. Two loaded pistols were found secreted in a 
hedge near his dwelling ; but whether they were intended 

H 



74 



LIFE OF THE 



to be employed against him^ the day will declare/^ He 
left the Circuit without sustaining any personal injury ; and 
one of the Magistrates addressed to him a letter^ thanking 
him for his loyalty^ and the valuable use w^hich he had made 
of his influence in support of law and order. 



EEV. EOBEP.T NEWTON^ D.D. 



75 



CHAPTEE Y. 

Aeteu the Conference of 1812^ Mr. I^Tewt on repaired 
to the London West Circuity to which he was appointed, 
under the superintendencv of the Eev. John Barber, with 
Mr. Reece also as his colleagne. The honse which he and 
his family occupied adjoined the Hinde-street chapel, near 
Manchester-square, the chapel having been but recently 
erected. The present commodious chapel in Great Queen- 
street, Lincoln^s-Inn Fields, had not then been built. 
The place which was then occupied by the congregation 
there, and which was regarded as the head of the Circuit, 
was far too small for the people who desired to attend. 
The change was very great from the rough mountain- 
scenery of Holmfirth, and the plain manners of the people 
there, to the West-end cf London ; presenting a profusion 
of wealth and fashion, where gentlemen and ladies, ^dth 
their glittering equipages, and attended by liveried servants, 
were seen moving in all directions : but he was as well 
cjualified to address a London audience, as a congregation 
of farmers^ labourers, or of men and women rushino- from 
the crowded factories of Yorkshire; and he well knew that 
there is but one way of salvation open to all. 

When he entered upon his ministry in London, he found 
the congregations accustomed to a mode of worship some- 
what different from that in which he had hitherto taken 
part as a Methodist Preacher. In the Circuits where he 
had laboured, he was accustomed only to extemporary 
prayer in the public service of God; but in most of the 
London chapels he found the Liturgy of the Church of 

H 2 



76 



LIPE OF THE 



England ased in the forenoon of every Lord^s day. To 
him this was a novelty^ but no inconvenience^ and no 
offence^ but rather an agreeable variety^ and a means 
of edification. The Liturgy recommended itself to his 
ear and liis taste by the rhythm of its periods^ and the 
force of its diction ; and it recommended itself still more 
to his heart by the evangelical sentiments which it 
embodies^ and the spirit of pure and elevated devotion by 
which it is pervaded. The comprehensiveness of its peti- 
tions in behalf of all classes of the human race^ embracing 
every form of suffering humanity^ gave expression to the 
expansive charity of his sanctified heart ; and in the use 
of this " form of sound words he felt himself able^ from 
Sabbath to Sabbath^ to worship God " in spirit and in 
truth."*^ At this period he contracted such a love for the 
Liturgy^ that in future life it aff'orded him a sincere satis- 
faction to be appointed to Circuits w^here the people were 
accustomed to the use of it. 

In London his ministry was as highly appreciated as it 
was in other places ; so that his congregations were large : 
the people gave him every proof of their affectionate 
C3teem, and not a few were^ by God^s blessing upon his 
faithful preaching, turned from sin to righteousness. Yet 
London was less acceptable to him as a station than the 
other places where he had laboured. Being the centre 
of Connexional operations, numerous Committees were 
held there, which he was expected to attend. These 
occupied much time, and diverted his attention from 
preaching, and from the work of pulpit-preparation, in 
which above all things his soul delighted. The fact is, 
he never had that aptitude for the details of business in 
which some men excel. He felt that he was made for 



REV. ROBERT NEWTO>'^ D.D. 



77 



action^ rather than for deliberation^ and that the duties 
of the pulpit were his special forte and calling. He did 
attend the meetings of Committees^ as in duty bound, 
liaving in them a trust to execute ; but he was ahvays glad 
to escape from them to employment which was more 
congenial to his taste. 

In London he entered upon his brilliant career as a 
speaker at public meetings. At that time the Wesleyan 
Missions were advocated only from the pulpit^ and by 
m.eans of private and personal application ; but the British 
and Foreign Bible Society was then in successful operation^ 
and was gradually rising into notice. Its adversaries were 
numerous and formidable^ and its efficient advocates com- 
paratively few ; and yet it was felt that the greatest possible 
publicity ought to be given to its simple plan and its 
sublime purpose. Mr. Butterworth was an efficient mem- 
ber of its Managing Committee^ and one of its most 
enlightened and zealons friends. By his influence Mr. 
i^ewton was engaged in its holy service^ so far as his other 
duties would permit; and^ upon the platform of its meet- 
ings^ he was no unworthy associate of its Secretaries^ the 
generous and eloquent Owen^ the able^ devout^ and faith- 
ful Hughes and Steinkopff. For some years afterwards 
Mr. ISTewton was in the habit of visiting even distant 
places to attend important meetings of this noble institu- 
tion. In many instances he did this at the request of his 
friend Mr. Butterworth^ that zealous philanthropist being 
answerable for the expense of travelling. 

In those times it is well known that Dr. Coke^ notwith- 
standing the multiplicity of his engagements^ not only 
submitted to the humble office of a Missionary Collector, 
but, to his honour be it spoken, was the only Missionary 

H 3 



78 



LIPE OP THE 



Collector in the Methodist Connexion. He was accus- 
tomed^ in London^ and in the provincial towns which he 
\"isited^ to wait upon such persons as were likely to aid 
him in his plans for evangelizing the Heathen^ being 
usually accompanied by a Minister^ or such other friend 
as he could persuade to sacrifice the requisite time. Mr. 
K"ewton had the honour and pleasure of attending that 
very excellent man in this drudgery of charity/'' as it 
has been appropriately called. To save time^ and prevent 
an unnecessary waste of physical strength^ the Doctor and 
his companion generally rode in a hackney-coach. When 
they had succeeded in obtaining a subscription^ the Doctor 
was careful to inform the donor that the vehicle which 
conveyed him and his friend from place to place was 
provided at his own expense^ and was not paid for out 
of the contributions of the public. 

With Dr. Coke Mr. Newton could not but feel a lively 
sympathy. He had been first introduced to him in How- 
den^ and was deeply impressed with the disinterestedness 
and zeal of the Doctor^ who had^ from the time of their 
origin,, during the life of Mr. Wesley^ borne the principal 
care and responsibility of the Methodist Missions. Having 
crossed the Atlantic Ocean eighteen times for Missionary 
purposes^ and being sixty-six years of age^ he meditated 
the establishment of a Wesleyan Mission in India. His 
friends attempted to chssuade him from the enterprise, 
reminding him of the importance of his services as the 
Superintendent of the Missions already in existence, his 
great age, and the dilnculty of providing the pecuniary 
means^. He heard all their objections; offered, if it were 
necessary, to advance six thousand pounds out of his own 
private resources for the object; and, bursting into tears. 



79 



he indistinctly articulated^ If you yrill not let me go to 
India^ you will break my heart In these cncumstances, 
further opposition was deemed vain^ and the Minutes of the 
Conference of 1S13 include the following entry: — -^^The 
Conference authorizes and appoints Dr, Coke to undertake 
a Mission to Ceylon and Java ; and allows him to take with 
him six Preachers for that purpose^ exclusively of one for 
the Cape of Good Hope/^ 

Under this sanction^ the Doctor prepared for liis depart- 
ure^ and^ accompanied by six faithful men^ who had offered 
themselves for tliis service^ embarked at Portsmouth at the 
end of the year^ foEowed by the prayers and blessings 
of thousands ; many of whom^ however^ while they admired 
his zeal and disinterestedness^ seriously apprehended that 
the undertaking would be a failure. 

Of these events Mr. Xewton was no indifferent spectator ; 
and there can be no doubt that his intercourse vnih Dr. 
Coke at this time^ and his observance of the sphit of that 
extraordinary man^ tended much to fix his attention upon 
the state of the Heathen^ and upon the duty of Clnistians 
to attempt their evangelization^ and thus to kindJe in his 
generous heart that intense and burning desire for the 
universal spread of the Gospel which was a prime element 
in his character to the end of his life. 

When he had spent two years in London^ the friends 
there^ as it might be expected^ were anxious to secure his 
continuance among them ; but tliis he rather declined^ for 
the reason which has been already stated^ and also on 
account of Mrs. ]^^ewton^3 health. It was liis desire, 
therefore, in submission to his brethren in Conference 
assembled, to leave the metropolis, and take an appomt- 
ment in the country. His feehug on this subject was 



80 



LIFE 'OF THE 



generally known ; and he was never again appointed to a 
London Circuit. 

Before lie left the metropolis, he had an opportunity 
of witnessing there a scene of unprecedented hilarity. The 
power of Napoleon Bonaparte was broken ; the terrible and 
protracted war, which had inflicted indescribable miseries 
upon Europe, was at an end ; and the man who had long 
been the terror of his race was sent to spend the remainder 
of his days upon a small island in the Mediterranean Sea. 
The Bourbons were restored to the throne of Prance ; the 
exiles of that country returned to the land of their fathers ; 
the Emperor of Eussia, the King of Prussia, and the 
Emperor of Austria, with the Generals of their armies who 
had signalized themselves in the war, visited England. 
The whole kingdom blazed with illuminations and bon- 
fires; and London, where the illustrious strangers exhi- 
bited themselves, was absolutely intoxicated with joy. 
Several French exiles lived in the same street with Mr. 
Newton; and he saw them, with their families, breaking 
up their respective establishments, taking leave of the 
country which had afforded them an asylum, and expecting 
to spend the residue of their days in security and peace. 
Little was it then apprehended that in a few brief months 
the vanquished tyrant would regain his position, as the 
head of the Erench army and nation ; that the war would 
be renewed with unabated fierceness; and that another 
tremendous conflict, to take place on the plains of "Water- 
loo, would be found necessary in order to the restoration 
of permanent tranquillity. 

But neither these stirring events, nor any others of a 
secular nature, could divert the mind of Mr. Newton from 
that spiritual work to which he felt himself divinely called. 



EEV. EOBEET XLWTOX^ D.D. 



81 



To save the souls of men^ by preaching Christ^s Gospel^ 
was the business of his life ; and in the furtherance of this 
object, he was ready to afford all necessary counsel and 
encouragement to his fellow-labourers. The following 
extracts of letters which he wrote, during his residence in 
London, to Mr. WilKam Smith, whom he rejoiced to 
acknowledge as his son in the Gospel, will serve further to 
show his spirit at this period of his life : — 

I am not surprised to learn that your mind is painfully 
exercised respecting your call to the ministry. It is what 
most of your fathers and brethren have experienced before 
you. Eecollect, however, that you did not enter on the 
itinerant life with the desire or prospect of worldly advan- 
tage j nor did you tlirust yourself into the work. You 
were called by the church where you were known, and 
then by your brethren in the ministry ; and to their united 
voice God has affixed His seal, by giving you fruit of your 
labour. I will therefore say to you what a good old man 
said to me the first year I travelled. After havdng 
patiently heard all I had to say about lea^dng the 
work, he said, with a look wliich I shall not soon forget, 
^ You DAEE 'SOt/ The saying of the old man has often 
been of use to me since then, when I have felt discou- 
raged ; and I think you dare nr^^ relinquish the work to 
which Christ and His church have called you. Go on, my 
brother, in the name of the Lord ; and He will bless you, 
and make you a blessing. TVhat an honour it is to be 
employed for Jesus Christ, in saving souls from death ! 
IN^ever let it be said that you have acted the part of a 
coward, by leaving the field of action. If we are instru- 
mental in turning a single individual from Satan to God, it 
is more than the acquisition of ten thousand worlds. 



82 



LIFE OF THE 



We have a good work in this Circuit. The fields are 
white to the harvest. I hope we shall see still greater 
prosperity.^^ 

I am happy to hear of your success. Great and glori- 
ous is the work to which you are called. May you ever 
make full proof of your ministry^ and be made a blessing 
to thousands ! With respect to the subject of your 
inquiry^ I scarcely know what to say. I can inform you 
what I have uniformly done during the almost fifteen years 
of my itinerancy. I have never taken any step^ directly 
or indirectly^ towards going to any Circuit, or continuing 
there when sent by my brethren. Were I in your case^ I 
should leave the business entirely with the Conference^ and 
regard their decision as the voice of Providence. 

^^I believe it will be my duty to leave the metropolis 
this year^ as it does not agree with Mrs. Newton^s health. 
Our Quarterly Meeting have resolved to request the Con- 
ference to appoint me to this Circuit a third year ; but I do 
not think their request will be answered. I pray that the 
great Head of the church may dispose of us all to His 
glory.'' 

Mr. Newton's next removal was to Wakefield^ where he 
spent three eminently useful and happy years^ during two 
of which the writer of these pages had the happiness of 
being his colleague^ of frequently hearing him preachy and 
of observing his daily spirit and deportment. We lived in 
habits of intimacy; and I can truly say that I never 
observed in him anything that even appeared to be matter 
of blame ; nor do I recollect to have heard any one utter an 
unkind word respecting him. He maintained the purity 
of the Societies by a strict discipline ; yet even his official 
censures were administered with tenderness and in the fear 



KEY. EGBERT ^■ET^rO^'^ D.D. 



8:3 



of God. His preaclimg iras more than acceptable. It 
was everYTTiiere admired^ and a blessing from God attended 
it ; so tbat its great purpose was answered in tlie enlarge- 
ment and edification of the chuiTh. 

At that time AVakefield presented a very different 
appearance from that which it bears at present. It was 
then chiefly noted for its corn and cattle market^ and was 
not enveloped in clouds of smoke^ issuing from the taU. 
chimneys of numerous factories^ but was^ in every respect^ 
a desirable place of residence. The Society in the town 
was numerous and highly respectable^ including many 
families of intelligence and piety, who vied with each other 
in showing respect to their Pastors, and in co-operating 
with them for the advancement of true religion. ]\Iessrs. 
Bradburn and TTatson, two of the most eminent ]\Iinisters 
in the Methodist Connexion^ had then been recently resi- 
dent in TTakefield; and the observations which the friends 
were accustomed to make concerning the preacliing, the 
conversation, and the habits of these honom-ed men, were 
a perpetual occasion of delight and profit. 

At this time Mr. Xewton^s services were in great 
request ; and many were the applications which he received 
to preach in behalf of local charities ; and the aggregate 
of the amount which he sometimes paid for his popularity 
was considerable. The penny postage had not then been 
introduced; and it not unfr-equently happened that the 
postman^s demands upon him, in the course of three 
months, was a serious reduction of his quarterage, "When 
he visited particular places, too, the thrifty treasurers 
of the charities which he had come to advocate calculated 
the amount of the coach-fare, and gave him most righte- 
ously the exact amount, leaving him to settle the question 



84 



LIFE OF THE 



of gratuities to the coachmen and guards as best he might. 
He often smiled at these things^ as presenting one of the 
phases of human nature. Eegarding them in the most 
favourable lights they were inadvertencies in one party^ and 
matter of inconvenience in the other. As he always 
appeared respectable, it was probably thought that the loss 
of a few shillings was to him a matter of no moment ; but 
the loss of a few shillings weekly was a grave concern at 
the end of twelve months, especially to a man with a 
growing family dependent upon him."^ 

It was during his appointment to the Wakefield Circuit 
that Mr. Newton^s powers, as an advocate of ^fissions to 
the Heathen, were fully called into requisition. From 
the year 1804 he and his bretliren were accustomed, once 
in twelve months, to make a public collection in all their 
preaching-places; but beyond this no attempt was made 
to enlist the sympathies of the people generally in behalf 
of the good work, except what might be done by Dr. Coke 
himself. But when the Doctor had embarked for India, 
the Ministers and friends in Leeds, feeling that something 
more was requisite, called a public meeting, and organized 
a Society, for the express purpose of increasing the pecu- 
niary supplies by an extensive canvass of the entire Dis- 
trict, in order to obtain weekly, montlily, and quarterly 
contributions. The friends in the Halifax, York, Sheffield, 
Cornwall, and Newcastle Districts followed the example; 
and many were the searchings of heart which these pro- 

* "We have seen a letter in the handwriting of the late Mr. William 
Dawson, in answer to a request which was made to him to preach in 
behalf of some charity, in which he says, " If my friends who write to me 
for such a pm'pose expect me to reply, I should not be offended if I should 
find a Queen's head in every letter that they send." 



EEY. EOBEr.T NEvrio::^. D.D. 



85 



ceedini^s excited. Some thonglit tliat public meetings 
miglit generate a spirit of unliallowed levity^ ^hicli would 
be higbly injmious to the cause of spiritual religion. 
Others thought that such publicity would be given to 
foreign Missions^ and such an interest in theu^ favour 
created^ that they would be supported at the expense of 
every other Christian object. In these circumstances 
timid men were afraid to speak^ and afraid to act. In 
the meanwhile^ the meetings that were held^ and the 
Societies that were organized^ were productive of nothing 
but good ; and that good was marked and undeniable. 

AYhen these measures were first taken in the pro^nnces^ 
Mr. ISTewton was in London^ prepared for every good 
work^ as soon as an opportunity for the performance of 
it should be presented. Of the beneficial tendency of 
Jlissionary Meetings he could entertain no doubt^ having 
so often witnessed the holy enjoyment which characterized 
the meetings of the Bible Society. 

The Conference, on its assembling, received a report of 
the ]\Iissionary doings in the Districts just mentioned, and, 
having heard the objections which were urged against 
them, passed the following resolution : — TTe strongly 
recommend the immediate estabhshment of a Methodist 
Missionary Society in every District in the kingdom, (in 
which it has not been aheady accomplished,) on the 
general plan of those Societies which have been formed 
in Yorkshire and elsewhere during the past year.''^ It 
is also added, ^' The thanks of the Conference are given to 
those of our Preachers in the Leeds, Halifax, York, Sheffield, 
Cornwall, and Newcastle Districts, who have been concerned 
in the formation of Methodist Missionary Societies ; and to 
all the members and friends of the said Societies, for the 

I 



86 



LIFE OF THE 



very liberal and zealous support wliich tliey have afforded to 
us^ in this important department of the work of God/^ 

The effect produced by the passing and the publica- 
tion of these Eesolutions was extraordinary. A general 
movement in favour of the Methodist Missions took 
place throughout the Connexion. Ministers and laymen 
vied with each other in zealous efforts for the advance- 
ment of the sacred cause. District Societies were first 
formed; then Circuit Societies; and next Societies in 
the various towns^ villages^ and hamlets in the several 
Circuits, To organize these various institutions^, so as to 
engage the services of Committees^ Secretaries^ and Col- 
lectors^ required no small amount of intelligence and 
labour. Every place required its public meeting, and the 
aid of practical men who could explain the entire scheme^ 
and could adduce such motives as were likely to rouse 
the dormant to action. At first the number of able and 
willing advocates was small; but they increased as the 
work advanced : for men who had never before addressed 
an assembly, except from the pulpit, had to learn how 
to interest a public meeting by an energetic and practical 
speech; and it was amusing to find how some really 
eloquent men hesitated, and even blundered, when they 
essayed to speak in this novel character. Among the 
senior Ministers of the body, Messrs. James Wood, Walter 
GrifiBth, Eichard Eeece, and George Morley, obtained an 
honourable distinction by their zeal and ability in the 
cause of Christ ; and among the laymen, Messrs. Thompson 
of Hull, Butterworth of London, Scarth of Leeds, Holy of 
Sheffield, Carne of Penzance, and Irving of Bristol, and 
many others, set an example of prompt liberality to the 
friends of Christ everywhere. 



EEV. EGBERT NEWTON^ D.D. 



87 



In these early Missionary Meetings the topics intro- 
duced were greatly diversified. Anecdotes^ old and new^ 
illustrative of the true nature of Christian liberality^ 
and adapted to expose the native selfishness of the 
human hearty were brought into requisition^ with the gross 
ignorance and horrible su.perstitions of the Heathen ; the 
perilousness of their state with respect to eternity; the 
adaptation of the Gospel to all the wants and miseries 
of our fallen world; the promise of Divine assistance; 
examples of past success ; new openings ; the prospect 
of future good; the zeal and liberality of other bodies 
of Christians, &c. The holy and grateful excitement 
which these meetings presented — composed, as they often 
were, of young men and maidens, old men, matrons, and 
children — forced upon one^s recollection scenes in the 
apostolic history, when faithful men ^''rehearsed all that 
God had done with them, and how He had opened the 
door of faith to the Gentiles ;^^ and when ^"^they caused 
great joy unto all the brethren/^ 

In Yorkshire, at that time, were three men \vho stood 
out in bold relief in connexion with this work, and 
whose names will ever be honourably associated in the 
history of the Wesleyan Missions. We mean, as every 
one will understand, Mr. Bunting, then of Leeds: Mr. 
Watson, of Hull; and Mr. Newton, of Wakefield. To 
Mr« Bunting must be assigned the imperishable honour, 
to a great extent, of originating and directing the entire 
movement ; and his Missionary sermons and speeches were 
characterized by a clearness and a force which were pecu- 
liarly his own. The feelings which they produced were 
regret for the past; earnest desire, by present and future 
liberality and effort, to retrieve former selfishness and neg- 

I 2 



88 



LIFE OF THE 



lect ; and a fear lest^ after ail^ tlie final account would be 
unsatisfactory. The views wliicli he presented of Christian 
responsibility with respect to the Heathen^ touched many 
a conscience^ and stimulated not a few to acts of g'enerosity 
and self-denial in the sacred cause. 

In the pulpit; and upon the Missionary platform^ Mr. 
Watson^s manner was calm and unimpassioned^ answering 
to the sublime conceptions of his intellect. He invested 
the enterprise with a spiritual and moral grandeur^ which 
was absolutely overpowering ; while in his own inimitable 
manner he connected it with the eternal counsels of the 
Godhead^ the creation of the universe^ the arrangements 
of Providence^ the scheme of redemption^ the work of the 
Holy Spirit; the advancement of civilization^ — with com- 
mercC; literature^ legislation^ the liberal arts^ — and^ above 
all; vv^ith the glory of the Holy Trinity in the everlasting 
salvation of mankind. Upon these and kindred topics he 
often expatiated till the people around him were filled with 
wonder^ awed into breathless silence^ and were " all but 
their attention dead.'''' 

Yet Robert Newton was the man of the people. There 
was such a frankness in his tones and manner^ that he no 
sooner began to speak in a Missionary Meetings than every 
countenance was brightened with a smile^ and the audi- 
ence^ as if by general agreement^ surrendered themselves 
to him. He had the power^ above almost every other 
man, of communicating to the multitude the sentiments 
and purposes of his own large and generous heart. He 
was therefore usually selected to deliver his speech just 
before the collection was made; and while he appealed to 
the crowds around him^ their hearty responses and entire 
demeanour forcibly reminded one of the tribes of Israel, 



EET. EOBEET >'EWTOX, D.D. 



89 



when " all tlie people answered to one another, and said^ 
All that the Lord hath spoken we will do.'^ 

The estimation in which he was held as an advocate 
of Missions, soon after he had begnn to take part in 
public Missionary services, will appear fi'om the following 
brief note^ which was addressed to him by ^Ir. Watson, 
announcing to him the sermons which were appointed to 
be preached in connexion with the first Annual Meeting 
of the Methodist ^Missionary Society for Hull, York, 
and other Circuits in the York District, to be held in 
Waltham-street chapel, Hull, on TTednesday, April 1:2 tii, 
1S15, at two 0^ clock in the afternoon — 

'•'My deap. Beothzp., — 

Tblit you may be early acquainted with the order 
of the services, I have sent tins by post, rather than wait 
my coming to Wakefield. As coming first, vou will be 
relieved from all apprehension of being anticipated: but 
om* motive was, that we might secure a full chapel on the 
first evening, and obtain an impulse winch, under the 
Divine blessings will carry us tlu'ough the whole with 
spirit/' 

Many a voice which in those times was lifted up m 
behalf of this cause is now silent in death, and many a 
hand which was then stretched out to help it forward will 
move no more in this world ; but the cause yet lives and 
flourishes, and the "'works'^ of its early friends do 
follow them/'' Messrs. Griffith, Eeece, and Martmdale 
v\-ere associated with Mr. Xewton, as Preachers, in con- 
nexion with the meeting in Hull. They have all finished 
their course, and entered into rest. 



90 



LIPE or THE 



^Tliile Mr. Newton shared with his brethren in the holy 
excitement and joy of Missionary Meetings^ he was called 
to endure the sorrows of bereavement. His venerable 
father had resigned his farming occupations at Eoxby^ and 
retired to Thorpe^ near TThitby^ where^ having completed 
his eighty-third year^ the time arrived when he must yield 
his spirit into the hands of God who gave it. During his 
last illness he was repeatedly visited by his son Robert^ 
who invariably found him happy in God^ and looking for 
the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 
^^l^eYev, while memory holds her seat/^ says the pious 
son^ shall I forget the sensations which thrilled through 
my heart when I took leave of him a Kttle before his 
death. The expression of his countenance^ the tears of 
tenderness which flowed from his eyes^ the tone of his 
voice^ are all present to my recollection. I think I see 
him at this moment. Pressing my hand with his dying 
fingers^ he spoke to the following effect: ^ Farewell^ my 
dear Eobert ! Go and preach J esus Cln:ist to perishing 
sinners. It is the most glorious and important work in 
which mortals can be employed. God continue to be 
gracious to thee^ my son!'' At that awful moment the 
power of speech entirely forsook me. At last I was 
enabled to articulate^ ^We shall meet again I"" ^In a 
better place !^ was his emphatic reply : words which still 
seem to vibrate on my ears.^^ 

Intelligence of his departure was communicated to his 
son Eobert by a letter from his sister Ann ; on the receipt 
of which he thus addressed his widowed mother : — 

"No words can describe the sensations of my heart 
when I read my sister^s letter^ which informed me that my 
father was not. But God^s will is wise and gracious^ and 



EEV. EOBEUT NEWTOX, D.D. 91 

our loss is my revered fatlier^s infinite gain. I found 
consolation and admonition in the words of Jesus Christy 
addressed to His disciples^ ^If ye loved me^ ye would rejoice^ 
because I said^ I go unto tlie Fatlier/ Selfish indeed 
would be that love which cannot rejoice at the consumma- 
tion of the wishes and desires of the object of its regard. 
My beloved father had long desired ^ to depart^ and to be 
with Christy which is far better/ His trouble and pain 
have for ever ceased ; and his happiness is inconceivably 
more abundant and com.plete than it could possibly be in 
this world. May we all follow him as he followed his 
Lord ! and we shall overtake him where separation shall 
be no more. 

For you I have felt much. Though you were enabled 
to give up my father, yet I can conceive you feel more 
since than you did then. But the Lord hath promised to 
be a Husband to the widow. That promise is now becom.e 
yours^ and I believe you will experience its accomplish- 
ment. The Lord will protect^, comfort^ and support. 

Through the abundant mercy of God_j we are all well. 
My dearest Elizabeth sincerely condoles with you in your 
bereaved state. When we received the account of my 
fatlier^s removal, we sat down^ and both wept till we had 
no m.ore povrer to weep. But we must all bow to the Di- 
vine wiU^ and pray that the dispensation may be sanctified 
to us all. God bless yoU;, my dear mother, for ever and 
ever ! This is the earnest prayer of your affectionate son.^" 
Mr. Newton^ sen,, died on the 5th of March^ 1816^ 
and his son Ptobert embalmed the memory of his sainted 
parent in a beautiful sketch of his life and character, 
which he published in an octavo pamphlet of twenty-seven 
pages^ and which is the only production of his pen that he 



92 



LIFE OF THE 



ever committed to the press. It affords ample proof, 
however^ that^ had he affected authorship^ he would have 
excelled in that as well as in public speaking. 

Eeference has already been made to his services in con- 
nexion with the British and Foreign Bible Society; and 
it is but justice to him to state^ that it was by his means 
chiefly that an Auxiliary Society, in alliance with that 
noble institution, was formed in Wakefield. Mr. Hughes 
visited Leeds on occasion of the Anniversary of the Auxi- 
liary Bible Society in that town. Mr. Newton met him 
there, and took counsel with him on the subject of com- 
mencing such a Society in Wakefield ; and the conse- 
quence was that, with the co-operation of Mr. Rogers, a 
pious Clergyman then resident there, and of Mr. Eayson^ 
the Dissenting Minister, a Society was organized^ which 
has ever since continued in beneficial operation. 

As a further illustration of the effectiveness of his 
preaching, and of the estimation in which he was held, 
it may be stated that, when he attended the London Con- 
ference of 1816, he preached before his brethren in the 
City-road chapel, in the morning of Sunday, August 4th, 
when the place was so crowded that "another Minister 
was called to address a multitude in the chapel-yard, who 
could not gain admission ; although Dr. Adam Clarke was 
preaching at the same hour in the adjoining chapel of 
Spitalfields. At the close of the service, Mr.. Benson 
followed him into the vestry, saying, I thank you a 
thousand times and the next morning, in the Confer- 
ence, that distinguished Minister, who was one of the last 
men in tiie world to deal in flattery, pronounced a high 
eulogium upon the sermon; the subject of which was 
the duty of ceaseless pniyer, from 1 Thess, v. 17. 



EEY. KOBEET NE^\VTO>:, Lt.D. 93 

To Mr. i^ewton it vras a matter of HiankLiilness that 
his ministry was not omj approved by the wise and the 
good^ but that it was also effectual in that which is the 
great end of all preachings the salvation of souls. About 
this time he accepted an invitation from Lincoln^ to unite 
with his friend Watson in the opening services of a nevr 
and commodious Methodist chapel in that ancient city. 
Among other persons that were attracted by the fame of 
these Preachers was a young medical gentleman^ who had 
commenced practice in a large village about nine miles 
from Lincoln. His mind had been awakened to a feeling 
of spiritual destitution. He wanted peace of mind ; but 
knew not where to find it_, nor in what it really consists. 
He listened with deep attention and interest to Mr. Xew- 
ton^s sermon on Psalm cxliv. 15 : Happy is that people^ 
that is in such a case : yea^ bappy is that people^ whose 
God is the Lord.*^ Heavenly light beamed upon his 
benighted mind ; he savr the way of peace^ as it is revealed 
in the Gospel; he went home instructed^ and soon after^ 
by believing in Christy was enabled to rejoice in the God of 
his salvation. He became an acceptable and useful Local 
Preacher^ and was made a blessing to many. Cases of a 
similar kind were of frequent occurrence through the public 
life of this laborious and holy man. 



94 



LIFE OF THE 



CHAPTER VI. 

From the year 1817, when he left Wakefield, to the end 
of his itinerant ministry, Mr. Newton^s official labours, to 
which he was appointed by the Conference, were confined 
to fewer Circuits than were those of any of his contem- 
poraries ; but his labours wliich he voluntarily undertook, 
extended through the United Kingdom of Great Britain 
and Ireland. According to the Minutes of the Conference, 
Liverpool and Manchester divided between them twenty 
years of his public life ; SaKord occupied six ; Stockport 
tliree; and Leeds six; so that he appears to have spent 
thirty-five years in five localities. In every one of these 
places he was received with the utmost cordiality ; he was 
treated with every mark of confidence and respect; the 
vast population of these towns, and the spacious chapels 
that were situated in them, afforded him ample scope for 
the exercise of his pulpit-talents ; and until he was disabled 
by age, in no place, so far as we can learn, was there the 
slightest diminution of his popularity, except, perhaps, in 
one or two cases, when the infliction of a righteous disci- 
pline upon delinquents gave offence to the adversaries of 
Christian order. 

From Wakefield he removed, in the year 1817, to 
Liverpool, where he remained tiU 1820. Here he was 
often brought into profitable intercourse with Dr. Adam 
Clarke, who was then resident at Millbrook, in the neigh- 
bourhood, and was engaged in writing his Commentary on 
the Holy Scriptures. While he was one in mind and 
heart with his own colleagues, in the true spirit of Chris- 



KEY. EGBERT ^'ETTTOX^ D.D, 



93 



tian liberality lie cultivated tlie friendship of ]^.Iinisters of 
other deiioniiiiatiorLS_, especially that of Dr. Eaffles and Dr. 
Stewart. He was scrupulously diligent in fulfilling his 
appointments in his own Circuity and^ at the same time? 
was always ready to serve his friends at a distance when 
they apphed to him for aid. Many were the journeys that 
he took for this purpose^ and great was the self-denial that 
he practised in leaving his family^ and in travelhng by 
night and by day^ to assist in the formation of ^lissionary 
Societies^ to preach at the opening of new chapels^ and to 
plead the cause of local charities. During his stay at 
Liverpool^ at this time^ the plan of the General TTesleyan 
sessionary Society was formed^ to which all the District 
Societies abeady existing were in future to be regarded as 
auxiharies ; the management of the General Society being, 
from year to year^ confided to a mixed Committee of 
Ministers and laymen, from that time the Methodist 
Missions have steadily advanced in extent^ efficiency^ and 
in pubhc estimation. 

In Liverpool Mr. K"ewton was happily exempted from 
the difficulties and perils which pressed heavily upon 
several of liis brethren in some other parts of Lancashire;, 
particularly in the manufacturing districts. Provisions were 
still dear, trade was in a state of depression, many thou- 
sands of the poor were out of employment ; some refusing 
to work unless their wages were increased, and others 
unable to obtain any kind of occupation, and therefore, 
with their families, in a state of destitution. In these cir- 
cumstances, their passions were inflamed by the speeches 
of demagogues, and by democratic writers, who attributed 
all the sufferings of the labouring classes to the Government 
of the country, and the selfishness of the rich. Peaceable 



96 



LIFE OP THE 



people lived in constaiit terror ; and the Ministers of reli- 
gion^ who warned their hearers against acts of violence, 
and recommended submission to law and order, were held 
up as objects of reprobation. Hence they were in con- 
tinual danger of personal \dolence, and the effect of their 
ministry was greatly neutralized ; many of the poor being 
equally unwilling to hear them, and to receive their mes- 
sage. To these things he alludes in the following letter, 
which he wrote on his arrival at home, after attending the 
Conference of 1819 at Bristol, and his entrance upon his 
third year in Liverpool. He returned by way of Derby, 
which for some years he had been accustomed annually to 
visit, for the purpose of preaching in behalf of the funds of 
the King-street chapel in that town, where he had also 
formed an enduring friendship with Mr. and Mrs. Turner. 
Addressing them, under the date of August 31st, 1819, 
he says : — 

^^My friends here were pleased to give me a most 
cordial reception on my return to them ; and I feel it my 
privilege to serve them in the Gospel of our common Lord. 

Manchester was in a state of awful distraction when I 
arrived there on the day I left you. You have doubtless 
seen the accounts of the events of that day in the public 
papers. An attempt, by advertisements, was made to hold 
a meeting for Reform here yesterday; but I understand 
scarcely any one attended. In Manchester and its vicinity 
it is Luddism under another name. I hope our Societies 
will be preserved from the demoralizing infatuation. We 
are expecting a prosperous year. May God give us the 
desire of our hearts ! The revival and extension of pure 
and undefiled religion are the only things to effect a ^radical 
reform ' in aU classes of society.''^ 



EEY. EOBEET yZTTTOS, D.D. 



97 



With the concluding sentiment of tliis letter tlie faith- 
ful friends of Methodism in Manchester entirely agreed; 
and therefore^ while the agents of mischief were putting 
forth the most strenuous efforts to establish an infidel 
democracy^, under the name of radical reform/^ t/ie?/ 
resolved to provide increased accommodation for the Gos- 
pel ministry^ and the celebration of Chiistian worship. 
For this purpose they entered into subscriptions for the 
purchase of land, and the erection of a large chapel in 
Grosvenor-street, which was at length completed^ and 
dedicated to God. Many faithful men engaged heartily 
in this enterprise^ among whom Messrs. TTood^ Marris^ 
Stocks, Lomas, Chappell, TTesthead, Fildes, and Eea stood 
pre-eminent. The writer of this narrative, in connexion 
with that thoroughly liberal and honest man, the late 
Samuel Stocks, Esq., then of Manchester, but afterwards 
of "Wakefield, had the honour of collecting nearly all the 
funds that were raised for the attainment of this Christian 
object. Many a month did they devote to the ser^rice ; 
and when Mr. Xewton had spent his thi'ee years in Liver- 
pool, he removed with his family to Manchester, in 1S20, 
and took up his residence in Grosvenor-street, near the 
new chapel, where his effective ministry mainly contri- 
buted to collect a large and respectable congregation. 
Here he remained three years, preaching with his wonted 
ability, and exerting all his energies to promote that spirit- 
ual rehgion which is an effectual antidote to ruinous \'ices 
in all their varieties of form, which political changes can 
never cure; and his labours were eminently successful, 
both in Manchester and many other distant places, which 
he continued to visit with unabated diligence. 

At this time the spirit of insubordination was still rife in 



9S 



LIFE OP THE 



Manchester and tlie neighbourhood, and many of the 
labouring poor looked upon every man as an enemy, who 
did not join with them in railing against the Government 
of the country, and against the wealthy classes generally ; 
and Mr. N^ewton, as he had formerly been at Holmfirth, 
was regarded by his friends as a marked man, and fears 
were entertained for his safety. One evening, after he had 
preached at Cheetham-HiU, and was about to return to 
Manchester, a person in the vestry of the chapel kindly 
offered to accompany him along the lonely part of the road. 
Mr. Newton decHned the favour, alleging that his friend 
would have to return alone. He had not gone far on his 
way, before a large dog came to him, and followed him very 
closely. Soon after, he saw two suspicious-looking men 
standing upon the footpath. The dog eyed them both with 
great care; and the men, seeing the formidable animal, 
divided right and left, so as to allow the Preacher and his 
faithful attendant to pass unmolested. He resolved that if 
his canine friend should follow him home, he would reward 
him with a good supper ; but as he entered into Manches- 
ter, the animal disappeared, and he saw him no more. Mr. 
jSTewton, who believed, on the authority of his Saviour, 
that the very hairs of his head were aU numbered, could 
not ascribe this occurrence to a bhnd chance, but to the 
providence of God. He therefore recognised in it a motive 
to gratitude for the past, and of trust for the future. 

The full benefit of I^Ir. Newton^s labours will never be 
ascertained in this world. He was not only a means of the 
conversion of ungodly men, who became useful as private 
members of the church, but of raising up efficient Ministers, 
who, in their turn, became a blessing to multitudes ; and 
while he was successful in calling forth the prayers and 



KSV. EOBEET NETn:ONj D.D. 



99 



liberal pecuniary contributions of the people in behalf of 
Missions^ under his sermons and speeches able men were 
induced to offer themselves as ambassadors to the Heathen. 
Of this number is the Rev. Robert Youngs as appears from 
the subjoined letter^ which he addressed to the writer of 
these pages : — - 

^^In the year 1820 it was my privilege to hear Mr. 
Newton preach a deeply-interesting sermon at North 
Shields, which was a means of giving an entirely new direc- 
tion to my mind. It was my intention to enter into busi- 
ness ; and I visited Tynemouth for the purpose of making 
some preliminary arrangements in order to that end, when 
a large placard attracted my attention, announcing that the 
Rev. Robert Newton would preach that evening at North 
Shields. At once I determined to hear that celebrated 
Preacher, but found it difficult to obtain admission into the 
chapel because of the crowd. His text was, Psalm cxxvi. 6: 
^ He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, 
shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his 
sheaves with him.^ In expounding and applying that 
beautiful passage of holy writ, he described the Christian 
Missionary as a sorrowful sower, and a joyful reaper ; and 
while he spoke, the hand of the Lord was with him, and 
the people were deeply impressed. I stood in the aisle, 
for I could not obtain a seat : and there and then was I 
clearly and deeply convinced that I was called of God to 
engage in the Mission work, and that a refusal would 
peril my salvation. It was a solemn hour : a crisis in my 
history had arrived ; there was a struggle in my mind, but 
it was soon over ; and, in the name of the Lord, I resolved 
to yield to the conviction of duty. In carrying it out, I 
ha.ve had to visit the four quarters of the globe, and to pass 

K 2 



100 



LIFE OF THE 



through many dangers^ both by land and by water ; but I 
have never repented. On the contrary^ I have invariably 
regarded the vows which I then made with satisi'action 
and thankfulness. To commemorate the change which 
then took place in my purposes and arrangements, and to 
express my admiration of the gifted Minister to whom^, 
under God, I am so much indebted, I named one of my 
sons Robert Newton ; and it is to me a matter of gratitude 
and joy that the Lord has graciously called him to the 
office and work of the ministry in the Wesleyan body.^^ 

In the year 1821, Mr. Newton was made the Secretary 
to the Conference ; an office which he often afterwards filled, 
and always with credit to himself and advantage to that 
venerable body, whom it was his delight to serve. His 
noble voice and calm self-possession gave liim a mighty 
advantage in conducting the business of that assembly; 
and at the same time he had the entire confidence of all 
its members as to his perfect uprightness. No one sus- 
pected him of any sinister purpose. 

In the following year, 1822, his connexion with Ireland 
commenced, from which most important benefits resulted. 
He preached his first sermon there in the month of June 
in that year. The direct occasion of his visit was the 
opening of a new Methodist chapel in the town of Bandon, 
and the holding of the Irish Conference. The following 
letter, which he addressed to the Eev. Thomas Waugh, 
will show the spirit in which he undertook that service 
and began his ministry in the sister island : — 

" May 1st, 1822.— I hope to be in Dublin on the 23d 
of June. During that week I might visit a few places in 
my way to Bandon, and spend the 30th with you. Will 
you be kind enough to confer ^dth Mr. Tobias on the 



HEV. EOBEPtT NEWTON, D.D. 101 

subject ? TeU liiin I very mucli wished to make arrange- 
ments to leave Manchester a week sooner, but I find it 
impracticable. While I am with, yon, I shaU be at your 
disposal. Appoint me VjJisre and as you please. I am 
your servant for the Lord^s sake. I rejoice to hear that 
the prospect of good brightens before you in Ireland. 
I promise myseK much pleasure and profit in my visit to 
your country. The Lord direct my way to you 

. His sermon at the opening of the new chapel in Bandon 
was founded upon Psalm xxvi. 8 : Lord, I have loved 
the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thine 
honour dweUeth/'' 

From Bandon he repaired to Dubhn, to meet the Lish 
Preachers, according to the direction of the British Con- 
ference, ilmong them he commanded the highest esteem, 
and won for himself the affection of many a warm heart ; 
and in Dublin his preaching was made a blessing to 
thousands. With respect to him and the President, whom 
he came to attend, the Irish Preachers say, in their Address 
to the English Conference : Our gratitude and obhgations 
are enlarged towards you, on behaK of our truly pious 
and excellent President, brother George Marsden, and his 
excellent companion, brother Eobert K'ewton. Their 
labours, zeal, wisdom, and talents, have filled us vrith glad- 
ness, and edified us in love. Por them we bless God, and 
thank you."^ 

Often did Mr. Newton ^"isit Ireland in following years, 
and he attended at least twenty-three Irish Conferences. 
Here some of his tenderest friendships were formed ; and 
here many persons were, through liis faithful ministry, 
turned to righteousness, and made heirs of God, and joint- 
heirs with Christ. Among others who were saved tlu'ough 

K 3 



103 



LIFE OF THE 



his faithful preaching must be ranked at least one man 
who sustains the ministerial oflSce in the Irish Connexion, 
and a lady who occupies a distinguished rank in general 
society, and adorns the doctrine of God our Saviour. His 
visits to Ireland were more than welcome; they were 
anticipated with joy, and are remembered with grateful 
satisfaction. 

In the spring of 1823 Mr. Newton visited Cornwall, for 
the purpose of pleading the cause of Missions among the 
miners of that county, taking Exeter on his way. On his 
arrival at Truro, he addressed to his wife a hasty letter, 
dated March 14th, in which he says : Tliis is rriday 
afternoon ; and it is really the first opportunity I have had^ 
since I left Grosvenor- street, to tell those who are the most 
dear to me, that I am well. It was half-past eight o^clock 
in the evening of Monday when I arrived in Birmingham, 
and about the same time on Tuesday evening when I 
entered Bristol. After securing my place for Exeter, I 
spent the evening with my old friends, Mr. and Mrs. 
Roberts, who were very kind to a poor traveller. I slept 
soundly till Wednesday morning, when I set off for Exe- 
ter, where I arrived just in time to take a hasty cup of tea, 
and run to the pulpit. Churchmen, Dissenters, &c., had 
assembled to hear ^ this man from Manchester."' The Lord 
helped me, and I hope that good was done. 

" After supper on "Wednesday night, I got into the mail- 
coach for Plymouth, where I found myself the next morn- 
ing at six 0^ clock. I took breakfast at Pljrmouth-Dock at 
seven, and then crossed the passage to Tor -Point. The 
scenery there is beautiful. Yesterday, I arrived at St. 
Austell, in time to preach at three o^ clock ; and we had a 
good meeting at six. This morning I have come in a 



EEY. ROBEUT NEWTO>'^ D.D. 103 

chaise witli Mr. Close^ a Missionary from Madras. I 
preached at twelve : we are now about to dine^ and shall 
hold a meeting at six. A message has just come^ saying 
that the dinner waits. My beloved wife must therefore 
imagine that she hears me say everrthing that the heart of 
her own husband could dictate. 

^^I beheve my journey will do me good. I hope you 
will take care of yourself, and that we shall meet in due 
time^ grateful to the God of all our mercies. Give their 
father^s love to all the dear children. God bless my 
dearest EHzabeth ! 

A Cornish correspondent^ in the Missionary Notices of 
the next months reports : We were favoured with a visit 
by the Ptev. Eobert INTewton^ who^ during his short stay, 
kindly preached^ and assisted us in our Anniversary Branch 
Missionary Meetings at St. Austell on the 13th of March, 
and at Truro on the 14th ; he preached at Gwennap on 
the 15th, and at Camborne and Penzance on the 16th ; 
preached at Helstone, and attended the Anniversary there, 
on the 18th j preached at TuckingmiU, and attended the 
Eedruth Anniversary, on the 19th ; and with unabated 
ardour affectionately bestowed similar labours at Palmouth 
on the 20th, and at Bodmin on the 21st. The large con- 
gregations that attended at every place, the lively and 
serious devotion which uniformly marked our assemblies, 
the Hberal contributions in aid of the Missions, exceeding 
those of our former Anniversaries, the growing concern to 
promote the cause of Missions everywhere manifest, with 
the truly Christian concurrence in this good work evinced 
by Ministers and members of other denominations, could 
not but prove highly gratifying to those who \dsited us."^ 
In some of these gigantic services, Mr. Newton was 



104 



LIFE OF THE 



attended by the Eev. Titus Close ; but, his health having 
been seriously impaired in India, he was not able to follow 
his compamon with equal steps. 

Mr. Newton returned home uninjured by his extensive 
journeyings, and with his spirit rather refreshed than 
exhausted by extraordinary labours in the pulpit and on 
the platform, in the midst of dense assemblies. But he felt 
that a Missionary deputation to Cornwall in those times 
was no sinecure ; and he was amply compensated for his 
toils by the pious zeal and liberality of the Cornish 
Methodists, who in common with himself sincerely loved 
the Missionary cause. 

He arrived at home in time to take part in the Annual 
Meeting of the Auxiliary Society for the Manchester 
District, which was an occasion of high and holy excite- 
ment, as is amply proved by the foRowing letter which he 
afterwards received I attended your excellent meeting 
on Monday; and from all I then heard and felt, I was 
induced to empty my pockets. I attended your adjourned 
meeting on Tuesday evening ; and from all I then heard and 
felt, the same conduct was repeated, and my pockets were 
emptied a second time. I then returned home, to muse on 
ail I had heard, and to indulge in the feelings which had 
been excited. I thought, ^ Have I done what I could ? ^ I 
inquired, ^ What do I possess ? ' I found myself possessed 
of a sovereign, a shilling, sixpence, and a penny-piece. 
These I enclose ; and this is the last penny I have in the 
world, which I cheerfully give to such a cause ; while I can 
trust in God, who is so worthy to be trusted.^^ 

This year also, as usual, Mr. Newton lent his efficient 
aid at the Annual Meeting of the general Society in London 
in the beginning of May ; and under the date of the 7th 



EEV. EOBEET NEWTON^ D.D. 



105 



of June he says^ in a letter to his friend Mr. Turner^ of 
Derby : All my friends tell me that I am killing myself. 
I have attended thirty-eight Missionary Meetings^ and 
travelled about two thousand three hundred miles^ since 
the middle of March.''^ He does not say how often he had 
preached during this time; and his sermons were never 
brief essays delivered without emotion. His Missionary 
sermons especially were real intellectual efforts^ comprehen- 
sive in their range of topics^ and dehvered with great ani- 
mation; and his journeys were not then prosecuted in easy 
and commodious carriages on railways^ nor with railway 
speed. 

The Conference of 1823 was held in Sheffield. Three 
years before, the Rev. John Emory had attended the 
English Conference^ as the Eepresentative of the General 
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the 
United States of America; when he was very cordially 
received in that character, and gave such accounts of the 
spread of true rehgion on that vast continent, as called 
forth expressions of thankfulness to the Giver of aU good ; 
and, at the same time, the devout spirit and sanctified 
intelligence of Mr. Emory commanded more than ordinary 
respect. The British Conference then rejoiced to recog- 
nise "that great principle, that the Wesleyan Methodists 
are one body in every part of the world ;^^ it declared its 
cordial pleasure in receiving a Representative from the 
General Conference in America; and pledged itself that, 
"prior to the time of the next General Conference in 
America,^^ it would " appoint one or more''"' of its " body 
to visit^^ its brethren there, "and to be present at their 
General Conference.''^ 

The time was now come for this pledge to be redeemed. 



108 



LIFE OP THE 



Every one felt tlie desirableness of selecting one of the 
best specimens of a Methodist Preacher for this service ; 
and every eye was turned to Mr. Newton : for there 
was not among the spiritual sons of Wesley "a goodlier 
person than he : from his shoulders and upwards he was 
higher than almost any of the people in the Con- 
ference^ both mentally and in respect of his bodily stature. 
Many of his friends^ therefore^ urged him to consent 
that he should be put in nomination before his brethren ; 
but he peremptorily declined the honour^ swayed^ not only 
by a feehng of modesty^ but by domestic considerations. 
His family was large ; many of his children were of tender 
age; and his frequent absence from home had already 
thrown quite as much care and responsibility upon Mrs. 
Newton as it was right that she should bear. The force 
of these reasons was generally acknowledged; and the 
Rev. Eichard Reece was appointed to the service, with 
the Rev. John Hannah as his companion. To these facts 
Mr. Newton refers in the following extract from a letter 
which he addressed to Mrs. Newton before the Con- 
ference concluded :— A Committee, consisting of all the 
men who have been Presidents, with Mr. Robert Miller 
and myself, have met twice respecting the mission to 
America. I have been obliged to put a direct negative 
on my going, on the ground of domestic circumstances. 
In doing this my conscience and feelings are in unison« 
Your heart can tell what mine felt when I was urged 
and re-urged to go to America. But I am sure I have 
done right. I hope the year before us will be in all 
respects happy and prosperous. God bless you and the 
dear children 

At the close of the Conference he returned to his family 



EEY. ECBEET yYWIQy, D.D. 



107 



in Mancliester^ whence he removed to Salford^ where he 
was appomted to labour during the next tweke months^ 
and where he was so happy with the people^ and the 
people with him^ that he remained three years, the utmost 
limit that the constitution of the Connexion would allow. 
Here he applied himself to his work with renewed ardour ; 
and not many weeks elapsed before it pleased God to 
give him fruit of his labour^ especially in the awakening 
and the conversion of sinners ; and at the same time his 
ministry was in as urgent request all over the kingdom 
as it ever had been^ and his ^vilhngness to help all who 
requested his aid was undiminished. A specimen of his 
activity is given in a letter which he addressed to his 
friend Turner^ of Derby^ and which bears the date of 
October 4th^ 1823. He says : ^^I am engaged to preach 
for our Missions at Wolverhampton on the evening of 
the 7th, and that is the reason why you are puzzled 
respecting my route. I go by an early coach from Wol- 
verhampton to LicMeld, and there take a Birmingham 
coach to Burton. Our Quarterly Meeting will be held on 
Monday, and I must be here again, if the Lord will, 
to preach on the 9th. So you see I have no rest for the 
sole of my foot. God has given me some seals of my 
ministry since I came to Salford. To His name be all the 
praise ! 

He concluded his first year in the Salford Ch'cuit, as 
he began it, in most strenuous and unremitting efforts 
to advance the work of Christ, both, at home and abroad ; 
and when he met his brethren in the Conference of 1824, 
which was held in Leeds, by theii free and unsoUcited 
suffrages they placed him in the presidential chair ; the 
highest honour that they had it in their power to confer. 



108 



LIFE OE THE 



This honour they felt that he had fairly won by his 
extraordinary services ; and as to the trust which it 
involved, every one was persuaded that it was safe in his 
hands; for a man more cordially attached to the tenets 
and economy of Wesleyan Methodism did not exist. 

His entire conduct in the chair of the Conference justi- 
fied the act which had placed him there. Humility, meek- 
ness, urbanity, and gentleness, combined with a becoming 
dignity and firmness, marked all his official acts, and 
indeed his whole demeanour. Even in the chair which Mr. 
Wesley occupied, and in which some of the most eminent 
of his spiritual sons had been placed, Eobert Newton 
appeared to advantage, as every one that saw him there 
confessed. 

As the President of the Conference, his official engage- 
ments through the year were greatly increased ; but he was 
blessed with strength, both of mind and body, for every 
duty; and his willingness was equal to his power; so that 
he never shrank from any labour that devolved upon him, 
or that he voluntarily undertook. The following letter, 
which he wrote towards the end of the year, shows some- 
thing of his labours, and of the state of the Connexion 
which was under his care. It was addressed to his sister 
Ann, who had been recently married, and who now bore 
the name of Mrs. Ireland : — 

November 27th, 1824. — You certainly should have 
heard from me sooner, had not the very great press of 
public business prevented. Allow me now, however, to 
present mine and Mrs. Newton'^s congratulations, and our 
best wishes for the mutual happiness of Mr. Ireland and 
yourself. I am happy that my dear mother is with you ; 
and I earnestly hope that the step you have taken, and 



REV. KOBEET NE^TOX^ D.D. 



109 



wliicli is better late than never^ will be for the comfort 
of aU. 

Greatly do I rejoice to hear of the prosperity of the 
work of God in the TThitby Circuit generally^ and espe- 
cially in your vicinity. The Connexion^ I am happy to say^ 
is in a healthy and tliriving state. Bnt though the work 
continues to prosper^ the workmen are taken away. Mr. 
Wrigley has just finished his course; Mr. Griffith is very 
ill ; Mr. Atmore will be under the necessity of retiring at 
the time of the next Conference ; and I greatly fear that 
my colleague^ Mr. Eiles^ will be obliged to do the same. 
I have just called out ^Ir. William Bunting to supply his 
place. He is a young man of great promise, but his health 
is dehcate. 

How soon will this mortal story be ended ! God help 
us to work while it is day ! I have had many long journeys 
lately, by night and by day, and am indeed a wonder to 
myself, that my health is as good as it was when I first 
entered the field as a recruit at eighteen. But this cannot 
always continue. In my turn, I must expect to go into 
winter quarters.''^ 

At the Bristol Conference of 1825, he was divested of 
his presidential cares and responsibilities, but returned to 
his Circuit with the full purpose to put forth all his 
strength in the service of his Lord. The reduction of his 
official duties left him at liberty to make a greater number 
of voluntary engagements; and his ear was always open 
to the applications of Trustees of chapels, and the friends of 
Missions. Yet the powers of the strongest men have their 
limits ; and the health of even Eobert Newton failed in the 
year 1825, after he had returned from the Conference. 
Exaggerated accounts of his condition were soon put into 

L 



110 



LiEE OF THE 



circulation^ and a deep and general sympathy in his behalf 
was excited. As soon as he was convalescent^ he wrote a let- 
ter to his faithful and valued friend^ Mr. Turner^ of Derby, 
in which he gives the following account of his state : — 

August 20th, 1825. — By the merciful providence of 
God, I am now able to inform you that I am in the land of 
the living. A bilious fever was coming upon me when I 
left you. It was all that I could do to reach this place 
(Southport). I was immediately ordered to bed, where for 
several days I knew not how it would go with me. My 
medical attendant has since told me, ^ It had nearly been a 
finish."^ Thank God, the fever has now subsided, and, 
though very weak, I am getting a little strength daily. 
But when I shaU recover aU that I have lost, I know not. 
To me this is a new scene ; it being the first time in my 
life that I have been seriously ill. I hope, however, that 
it wiU be made a blessing to me. 0, how valuable is that 
faith in the blood of the covenant, which makes salvation 
our own ! May we always have it in possession, and in 
lively exercise ! "What is all religion without this ? But 
an empty name. 

" I have felt much for my dear wife. The shock has 
almost overwhelmed her. Had not the Lord graciously 
comforted her mind, she must have inevitably sunk 
under it. 

" I long to be in my work again, and hope in a week or 
two to be able to do a little. But all extra service, of 
course, must be for some time to come absolutely dechned. 
Perhaps my doctor would blame me, if he knew that I had 
been writing ; but I was anxious to teU you how I am.^^ 

The excellence of Mr. Newton'^s constitution appeared in 
his speedy recovery. In little more than a month, he says 



EEY. EOBEET NEWTOX, D.D. 



Ill 



to the same correspondent : My health continues to 
improve^ so that my work is easy to me, ^ Bless the Lord^ 
0 my soTil^ and forget not aU His benefits/ I feel increas- 
ing dehght in pnbhshing the glad tidings of salvation to 
my fellow-sinners. May I obtain mercy of the Lord to be 
faithful 

On the 21st of October^ he announced his complete 
recovery in a letter to his sister Ann^ who^ with his other 
relations, had been greatly alarmed by the incorrect 
rumours which they had heard concerning the nature and 
effects of his complaint. 

" I am sorry/^ he says, " that I could not write by the 
last evening^s post, that I might a few hours sooner have 
reheved your minds, and the minds of my other relations, 
from the distress you have felt on my account. I had an 
attack of bihous fever immediately on my return from the 
Conference, which I believe was induced by the excessive 
heat and confinement that I endured in attending the 
Irish and British Conferences. The fever continued four 
or five days ; but, I thank God, my reason was never for a 
moment disturbed, or interrupted in its exercise. I was 
but one Sabbath out of my work, and have not been an 
hour unweU since. 

^^I think you will not fear much on account of my 
health, when I tell you, that on Monday last I went from 
hence to Burslem, where I preached for the chapel-trust 
in the evening, From thence I went to Wednesbury the 
next day, where I spoke in the Missionary Meeting in the 
afternoon, and preached in the evening. From "Wednes- 
bury I went the next morning to Lichfield, preached at 
eleven o^clock, and spoke at the Missionary Meetings at 
half-past two and half-past six. Yesterday I came from 

L 2 



113 



LIPE OP THE 



Lichfield to this place (SaLford), a distance of seventy 
mileS; preached^ and attended the Leaders^ Meeting ; and 
then united dinner^ tea^ and supper^ in one hearty meal, 
at ten o^clock at night. 

Through the abundant mercy of God, we are aU in 
good health ; and are under the strongest obligations of 
gratitude to Him from whom aU good proceeds, and to 
whom all praise belongs. I rejoice to hear that our 
revered parent is so well. 

^^I am greatly obliged to my numerous friends in various 
parts of the kingdom, and even in the Isle of Man, w^ho, 
when they heard that I was iU of a fever, assembled 
together in chapels and elsewhere, to unite in prayer to 
the Head of the church for my recovery. I could not have 
believed that a few days of illness in so insignificant and 
unworthy a creature, as I feel myself to be, could have 
excited such a strong sensation through the United Eang- 
dom. The letters which I have received, first of sympathy, 
and since of congratulation, from various parts of the Con- 
nexion, have made an impression on my heart which can 
never be effaced, I am sure I owe much to the prayers of 
the Preachers and people; and my prayer is, that my 
spared life and recovered health may be unreservedly 
devoted to Him whose I am, and whom I serve.''^ 

In this letter, it will be observed, he speaks favourably 
of his mother^'s health; but, within a few months, her 
redeemed and sanctified spirit fled to the heavenly paradise. 
He thus speaks of her departure in a letter to Mr. Turner, 
under the date of February 17th, 1826 : — 

"The last week I was in the North, to see my dear 
mother. She had expressed a great desire to see me once 
more; and I just arrived in time, I found her ^ all praise, 



EEV. PcOBEET NETVTOX, D.D. 



113 



all meekness^ and all love/ She departed^ without a sigh 
or struggle, in sure and certain hope of everlasting hfe, 
aged eighty-three years. 

^^I am glad to hear that there is such an opening at 
Ashbourne. I have not, however, known an instance 
where a hired Local Preacher, for such a purpose, has 
answered well. I would rather advise that the Local 
Preachers in your Circuit should occasionally supply some 
old-established places, that your Travelling Preachers might 
visit these villages ; and then state the case to the next 
Conference, saying what could be done towards supporting 
a siQgle Preacher on that ground. It is of great import- 
ance that Methodist discipline, as well as Methodist 
doctrine, should be introduced wherever Societies are 
formed."'^ 



L 3 



114 



LIFE OF THE 



CHAPTER TII. 

At the Conference of 1826^ Mr. Newton was again 
appointed to labour in Liverpool^ tlie Circuit being then 
divided into two. Here he remained during the next 
six years^ spending three years in each Circuit ; the first 
three in Liverpool South, and the second three in Liver- 
pool North. 

Through the whole of these six years he continued 
his pubhc services without the slightest abatement. Early 
and late was he upon the coach, preaching once or twice 
every day when he could leave his own Circuit, and 
never omitting his duty when at home. His absence 
from his family now began to be painfuUy felt by Mrs. 
Newton, who, when she referred to the subject, was as 
often reminded with a smile of the agreement into which 
she entered with him before their marriage, that she would 
never hinder him in his work, by requiring him to preach 
even one sermon less on her account. To this plea she 
at first responded with a sigh; but habit seemed, at 
length, to abate the pain of separation ; and the care of 
her eight children, who were all educated at home, so 
fully occupied every hour, as, in a great measure, to pre- 
vent her from feehng the loneliness of her situation : yet 
she could not but desire more of his aid in the task of 
training their offspring. 

During his superintendency of the Liverpool South 
Circuit, an incident occurred which places his upright- 
ness and fidelity in a striking light. A lovefeast was 
appointed to be held in the Pitt-street chapel, and a com- 



EEV. EOBEET NEWTON^ D.D. 



115 



paratively poor man was one of the door-keepers^ whose 
duty it was to inspect the Society-tickets of the people 
as they entered. A wealthy member of the Society, 
forgetting at the time the respect which is due to rule, 
to ofBce^ and even to human nature, attempted to enter 
into the chapel without presenting his certificate of mem- 
bership ; and, on being expostulated with, rudely pushed 
the door-keeper aside, and otherwise treated him with 
contumely. The matter was complained of in the Leaders^ 
Meeting; and the Class-Leader of the offender apologized 
for the outrage, stating that the man was sorry for what 
he had done. Mr. Newton observed, that this was not 
suf&cient : the offence was public ; it was an open con- 
tempt of rule and order; and an apology merely sent 
through a third party, and not even offered to the man 
who had been personally aggrieved and resisted in the 
discharge of his duty, could not be accepted. Wealth 
should rather be regarded as an incentive to civility, 
than as a justification of rudeness. The offender attended 
the next meeting of the Leaders, confessed that he had 
done wrong, and promised never again to transgress in 
like manner. 

On the 30th of June, 1826, his friend Mr. Butter- 
worth died in the Lord. He had risen from compara- 
tively humble life, by the blessing of God upon his own 
talents and industry, to wealth and influence, both of 
which he sacredly devoted to the service of God; being 
at once a devout Christian, and a liberal and energetic 
philanthropist. In the House of Commons he invariably 
appeared as the friend of the oppressed and of rehgious 
liberty : he was one of the Treasurers of the Wesleyan 
Missionary Society, and an active member of the Com- 



116 



LIFE OF THE 



mittee of the British and Eoreign Bible Society ; and was^ 
for many years^ the efficient Leader of a class of young 
men^ belonging to the Methodist Society, in connexion 
with the chapel in Great Queen-street, whom he was 
accustomed to meet at an early hour on the Sunday 
morning. Many a youth, exposed to the snares of London, 
was, at these meetings, guarded from temptation, and 
trained to piety and usefulness. 

At the Annual Meeting of the Wesleyan Missionary 
Society, in London, held the following year, Mr. Newton 
paid a just and grateful tribute to the character of his 
friend, and at the same time gave some interesting notices 
concerning himself. We are this day,^^ said he, record- 
ing our mercies, and uniting in devout thanksgivings to 
Him from whom all good counsels and all just works do 
proceed ; and I rejoice that Divine Providence is furnish- 
ing us with laurels, and we have Kved to wear them ; yet 
the same Providence is this day calling us to entwine 
the cypress with the laurel. Por, after all, the victory 
is this day turned into mourning. I cannot forget, and 
this assembly cannot forget, who occupied that chair 
the last year, and who occupied it for several years before. 
We have been told in the Eeport, that we now stand upon 
his ashes. He is no more ! tie rests from his toil ; 
he has finished his course, and is now a happy spirit 
before the throne of God. ^ Being dead,^ however, ^ he yet 
speaketh.'' He is dead ; but he lives in the affectionate 
remembrance of the rehgious public generally, and par- 
ticularly in the affectionate remembrance of his friends 
who knew him best. It was my privilege to enjoy the 
personal friendship of the late Joseph Butterworth. Por 
some fifteen or twenty years past I have been entertained. 



EEV. EGBERT NEWTON^ D.D. 



117 



on my visits to town^ under his hospitable roof. It has 
been my privilege to witness his personal and domestic 
piety, to see family-worship conducted under his roof 
with such solemnity and fervour as, perhaps I am not 
saying too much when I say, I have never elsewhere 
witnessed. He lives in the example wliich he has left 
of extraordinary diligence and of quenchless zeal and 
ardour in the cause of rehgion generally, and of Christian 
Missions in particular. May we all be taught to apply 
our hearts to wisdom; and when the mortal hour with 
us shall arrive, may we have nothing to do but to die, and 
to be saved with the power of an endless life 

It might be fairly expected that the Missionary spirit 
would not be allowed to decline in any Circuit with which 
Mr. INTewton stood in an official connexion. Among the 
Methodists at Liverpool that spirit was singularly active 
during his residence among them, as will appear from the 
statements which he made from year to year, when he 
attended the Annual Meetings of the parent Society in Lon- 
don. In the year 1829 he said: At Liverpool several of 
our friends, some time ago, resolved to double their sub- 
scriptions ; and at our last Anniversary many others deter- 
mined to follow their example ; so that we had an increase 
of about £150. At the Pitt-street chapel, where about £40 
were collected, the sum of £140 has this year been raised. 
I state this to the honour of my excellent friends there. 
Vrhen I heard the remarks respecting the claims which the 
natives made to some of the Missionaries, it brought to my 
mind the case of two African Chiefs, who disputed which of 
them should have the first Missionary that would arrive. 
One of them said that he was descended from an Enghsh 
woman, who was rescued from shipwreck off then: coast ; 



118 



LIFE OF THE 



and therefore lie had the first claim. The other said^ ^ It 
was my father that rescued your mother ; and therefore I 
have the stronger claim/ I put this question to the 
meeting at Liverpool^ where there were several honest tars, 
who seemed to feel a deep interest in the question. Their 
eyes were filled with tears ; and one of them exclaimed, in 
the honest simplicity of his heart, ' Both, Sir ; both. Sir ; 
both, to be sure ! ^ We had ample proof in the collection 
which followed, that this was not idle talk/^ 

Twelve months afterwards he said : I have the pleasure 
to state, that at Liverpool our subscriptions this year have 
exceeded those of the twelve previous months by nearly 
eighty guineas. A small box has been put into my hand, 
which reminds me of a prodigious Missionary chest, which 
two sons of Hercules exerted their physical force to bring 
on the platform at Liverpool. When opened, it was found 
to contain £80 in halfpence, which came from the yard of 
a stonemason, who urged his men, when he paid them 
their wages, to put something into the Missionary chest, to 
promote this good cause. The men acted accordingly, and 
in about six months the sum of £30 was contributed. 
I may mention another fact : A woman, without saying a 
word, put into my hand a small silk bag. I found worked 
upon it, ^The widow^s mite.'' It contained ten guineas. 
At one meeting I received a note in these words : ^ The 
writer believes that the cause of Missions is pre-eminently 
the cause of God, and is persuaded that the set time to 
favour that cause is come. She has the pleasure to sub- 
scribe herself, — A friend to Missions.^ It contained £100.'^^ 
He added, " Some kind friend has just conveyed to me 
this note : ^A debtor^s ninth instalment, £50.*'^^ 

These facts, which are a mere specimen of the communi- 



EEV. EOBEET NEWTON^ D.D. 



119 



cations which he was accustomed to make at the Missionary 
Meetings which he attended^ show most impressively the 
spirit of the man^ and the estimation in which he was 
held. The hberal friends of the cause, charmed with his 
addresses, delighted to make him the medium through 
which their bounty was conveyed to the general fund. 
Sums of every amount, according to the ability of the 
people, were given under the exciting influence of his 
speeches, not with reluctance, and from a painful sense of 
duty, but with a cheerfulness which eminently proved that 
true charity is twice blessed. It blesseth him that gives, 
and him that takes. "'^ 

During two of the jrears that Mr. Newton spent in the 
Liverpool South Circuit, Mr. "Watson was in Manchester ; 
and he requested Mr. Watson to take part in the opening 
services of an important chapel in Liverpool, most probably 
that in Stanhope-street, and found him unwilling to pro- 
mise. In these circumstances the following letter was 
^Titten. We copy it from Mr. Y/atson^s autograph; but 
it has no date, and the address has been torn off. It was 
not addressed to Mr. T^ewton, (for he is spoken of in the 
third person,) but was evidently intended for his use. 
The document is valuable, as showing the estimation in 
which the writer held Mr. Newton^s services at the Anni- 
versaries of the Wesleyan Missionary Society in London, 
and the humble estimate which one of the greatest Preachers 
in England had formed concerning himself. 

''My deah Feiend, — 

'' I AM exceedingly sorry that your plan of opening is 
not made up without me ; and that my pleasurable antici- 
pation of attending you as a spectator and hearer is cut off. 



120 



LIFE OF THE 



But what can I do ? I am not in the habit of speak- 
ing lightly ; and I am sure I never held back from any 
good thing, in order to be courted into it. That is not my 
foible ; and I have enough without it. But it is my 
serious conviction that occasional services are not for me. 
In the south I have flattered myself with being tolerably 
acceptable ; but I know I have no hold upon Liverpool and 
Manchester, where more of physical energy than I possess 
is requisite to produce any effect. I have no nerves, no 
confidence, no sermon adapted to any such occasion, and 
no hope of getting one. If you knew how often I have 
disappointed and failed in the last six years, and the tortures 
inflicted upon me by the kind partiality of friends, putting 
me forward to stations for which I have no adaptation, 
you would leave me alone. 

"You say Mr. Newton is grieved; and I would not 
appear ungrateful to him, to whom, whilst I had the care 
of the London Missionary Anniversary, I so often owed 
it, that, upon his consenting to take a part in the services, 
aU the onerous anxieties of that meeting were taken off: 
to say nothing of my very great personal respect for him. 

" As to my Liverpool friends, I am sure that I so much 
admire their zeal in this good work, that, if I felt I could 
do them any good, I would not refuse, but even offer it. 

"But, with all the convictions and feelings I have, 
what can I do ? I can do nothing to purpose : but, if 
you cannot make up your services to your minds, Mr. 
Newton may take the risk of putting the Sunday evening 
service upon me ; — in which case, I will not trouble him 
to send a supply for the Sunday in my place; as I can 
preach at Oxford-road in the forenoon, and get to 
Liverpool by the evening.^^ 



HEY. EOBEET ^'E^TO^'^ D.D. 



121 



As a specimen of the effects ^liicli "vrere produced by 
Mr. Xewton^'s occasional visits to particular places,, and 
of tlie respect in whicli he was held by the people whom 
he thus favoiu^ed^ we may refer to the case of Derby. He 
\'isited this town^ for the first time^ in the year 1808; 
when he preached at the Anniversary of the ]\Iethodist 
chapel in King-street. In the year ISIO he repeated his 
\isit, and continued to do so^ from year to year^ to the 
end of his life ; attending Missionary Meetings^ preach- 
ing in behalf of the trust-funds of the chapel^ and oftener 
than once affording his aid at the Meetings of the Auxi- 
liary Bible Society. He knew the necessities and desires 
of the Derby friends^ and not unfrequently informed 
Mr. Turner when he had a vacant day^ so that he could 
serve them without serious inconvenience : and his 
presence with them was always hailed with delight. 

It is still more important to state^ that his ministry 
in Derby was so sanctioned by the blessing of God^ that 
many persons^ under his sermons^ were made ^'^wise unto 
salvation/^ In places far distant from Derby^ he often 
met with individuals who informed him that they received 
their first religious awakenings when they heard him 
preach in that town. Many years ago^ a party of infidels 
there held their meetings on the evening of the Christian 
Sabbath^ for the diffusion of their noxious tenets; and 
foremost in the godless ranks was a man who had once 
been a professor of religion^ but had fallen into sin^ 
cast away even the semblance of piety^ and openly 
denied the Lord that bought liim. He had a brother^ 
who, having come from a distance to hear Mr. Xewton 
preach at the Anniversary of the King-street chapel^ 
persuaded him to attend the service on the Sunday 



12a 



LIEE OP THE 



EQorning. Mr. Newton preached from the First Psalm ; 
and^ in the character of the ungodly/"* the sinners/" 
and especially of the scornful/" the infidel recognised his 
own picture, and was so enraged that he confessed he felt 
a strong desire to drag the Preacher out of the pulpit. 
He went, however, again in the afternoon ; and then the 
arrows of conviction so pierced his guilty heart, that he had 
no rest until he sought and found the forgiving mercy of 
God, through faith in the sacrifice of Christ. He joined 
the Methodist Society, and laboured for many years as an 
effective Local Preacher. 

Under a grateful impression of Mr. Newton^s kindness 
in visiting them, and especially of the value of his 
services, the Trustees, in the year 1829, presented to him 
a silver salver, in an appropriate case, as a token of the 
respect which they cherished towards him. The plate 
bore the following inscription : — 

PRESENTED 
TO 

THE REYEEEND ROBERT NEWTON, 

BY THE 

TRUSTEES OE THE WESLEYAN-METHODIST CHAPEL, 
KING-STREET, 
DERBY j 

AS A TOKEN OE THE HIGH AND GRATEFUL SENSE THEY 
ENTERTAIN OF THE VALUABLE SERVICES HE HAS 
RENDERED TO THE CAUSE OF RELIGION IN THAT 
TOWN AND ITS VICINITY, BY PREACHING 
THE ANNIVERSARY SERMONS OF THE 
ABOVE CHAPEL FOR THE LAST 
TWENTY YEARS. 1829. 



HEY. EOBEET XETTTOX, D.D. 



123 



This very handsome present he acknowledged in 
the folloTring characteristic letter^ which he addressed 
to the Trustees^ through their mutual friend Mr. 
Turner : — 

Words are at the best but signs of things ; and they 
are sometimes but very imperfect signs of the things which 
they are employed to represent. The truth and force of 
this I feel at this moment. What have I done to merit 
such an expression of the kindness of my old friends^ the 
Trustees of the King-street chapel in Derby ? Be assured 
it was by me as unlooked for as undeserved. I cannot^ 
however^ refuse to accept this ^ proof of your love."^ The 
inscription may be read by those who are dear to me when 
my name is written in the dust. TTill you present my 
sincere and grateful acknowledgments to those kind 
friends who (with yourself) have laid me under such a 
weight of obligation 

More than once has it happened^ that^ after preaching 
three times to crowded congregations on the Sabbath-day 
in Derby^ Mr. Newton has left the town, taking scarcely 
any rest, to visit a distant place the next day. An 
instance of this kind occurred the year after that in which 
this letter was written. He fulfilled his enGrao-ements in 
Derby, and was under a promise to preach the next day at 
a place in Gloucestershire. To accomplish this, he was 
driven during the night to Lichfield, and thence to Bir- 
mingham, where he took a coach the next morning at 
seven o^ clock, and was in time to occupy the palpit, 
according to the promise which he had previously made. 
Many similar cases occurred in connexion with his visits to 
Derby. 

• It was not to obhge old friends, or to address 

M 2 



124 



LIFE OF THE 



large and wealthy congregations onlj^ that he made these 
sacrifices of ease and convenience. He was as accessible 
to young Ministers^ as to his more aged acquaintance ; and 
ready to serve the smallest and most needy congregations 
that might request his aid. A few months after he had 
taken this journey into Gloucestershire^ the Rev. John 
Tindall^ then in the first year of his itinerant labours^ 
applied to him^ requesting him to preach in behalf of the 
trust-funds of the Methodist chapel at Eedditch. His 
reply^ which was full of kindness^ stated that he had no 
evening at liberty^ but a Saturday evening, which he feared 
would be inconvenient to the people ; but if he could on 
that evening render them any service, he would readily 
visit them, provided he could obtain a conveyance the next 
morning to Worcester, — a distance of upwards of twenty 
miles, — where he had engaged to preach on the Sabbath- 
day. The friends gladly accepted his offer : it was his 
first visit to the place ; and a large congregation, including 
several of the most respectable persons in the neigh- 
bourhood, attended. The subject of the sermon was the 
sin of neglecting prayer : the word was with power ; and 
there was reason to believe that of one person, at least, in 
the assembly, it might from that time be said, — which 
could not with truth have been said before, — Behold, he 
prayeth.''^ 

The Rev. Dr. Beecham, who was one of his colleagues 
in Liverpool, says : The interest which Mr. Newton took 
in his Circuit and pastoral duties was not exceeded by the 
zeal with which he sought to promote the cause of Christ 
by his more pubhc labours. He endeavoured, when at 
home, to make up, as far as possible, the lack of service 
which resulted from his frequent absence. Immediately 



UEV. KOBEET NEWTON^ D.D. 



125 



on his return from his long and arduous excursions^ he 
threw himself into his Circuit work with a freshness wliich 
was surprising^ and a zest which proved that he felt 
himself in his proper element; while he industriously 
redeemed the time by a close application to his duties as 
a Clu-istian Pastor/^ 

The Conference of 1832 was held in Liverpool: Mr. 
Newton was again placed in the chair of that venerable 
body. Eight years had elapsed since he last occupied that 
post of duty and of honour; and during this period^ as 
formerly^ he had given his brethren unvarying proof of 
fidelity to the cause of spiritual religion in its Methodistic 
form. He had surpassed aU. his brethren in laborious 
efforts to advance the common cause ; and w^hen the votes 
of the Conference had been counted^ his election declared^ 
and he^ with his characteristic modesty^ sat down in the 
chief seat of the assembly^ every heart seemed to say^ 
"Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the King 
delighteth to honour."'^ 

This Conference was a season of solemn interest. 
Previously to its assemblings the town of Liverpool had 
for some time been afflicted with the Asiatic cholera^ the 
ravages of which were fearfuUy extensive in the crowded 
population of that vast mart of commerce^ so that the 
place presented a scene of "lamentation^ and mourning, 
and woe/'' During the sittings of the Preparatory 
Committees, a day of humiliation and prayer was observed 
by the congregation belonging to the Brunswick chapel, 
and the Ministers who were then present. At a prayer- 
meeting which was held in that place of worship, it 
appeared that the power of the Lord was present to heal. 
The spirit of prayer eminently rested upon the entire 

M 3 



126 



LIFE OP THE 



assemblj^ and tlie men who led tlie devotions of tlie rest- 
manifested an earnestness and a power of faith which 
words can never express. Many believed that the Lord 
would be entreated ; and it is a fact^ which was matter of 
general observation at the time^ that from the day of this 
memorable meeting the pestilence gradually abated in 
Liverpool^ till it entirely disappeared. "Wliatever sceptics 
may suggest,, it is no vain thing to call upon the Lord. 

"When the Conference was ended^ Mr. Newton and his 
family removed from Liverpool to Manchester^ which was 
to be the field of his future labours. They left Liverpool 
with feelings such as they had never experienced in any 
of their former removals. Their eldest daughter was 
united in marriage to a Swiss merchant^ then resident 
in Liverpool^ who also sustained the office of Consul ; and 
she who had hitherto attended her parents in their itine- 
rancy must now be left behind. In a letter to his sister 
Ann^ Mr. Newton said^ in reference to the marriage of his 
chikb I never knew how much I loved her, till I gave 
her away/^ 

Another event also occurred during their residence in 
Liverpool^ which was forced upon their recollection when the 
time of their removal came, — the death of Mrs. Newton's 
mother. She was a widow, and spent the latter years of 
her life in Mr. Newton^s family; and while they were in 
Liverpool, she engaged a house at Southport, for the 
benefit of the sea-breezes, where the children spent much 
of their time with her. She died in a good old age, 
honoured and lamented, and her remains were interred in 
the burying-ground that is connected with the Stanhope^ 
street chapel, T\here Mr. Newton purchased a family-grave, 
in order that if any of those who stood in a tender relation 



EEV. HOBEUT NEWTON^ D.D. 



127 



to him should die in that neighbourhood, they might be 
provided with a quiet resting-place. But such arrange- 
ments, however natural and praiseworthy, are matters of 
great uncertainty, so far as the families of Methodist 
Preachers are concerned. Their remains often sleep far 
asunder. Happy if they all meet in a world where there 
is no more death, and where family-graves are no longer 
needed ! 

The year of Mr. Newton^s second presidency proved to 
be a season of great and affecting mortality among the 
"Wesleyan Ministers of England, no less than thirty of 
them being called from their work to their reward; and 
of this number were some of the brightest ornaments of 
the body, and the most useful of their brethren. Dr. 
Adam Clarke died of cholera soon after the Conference; 
Mr. Thomas Stanley, and Mr. John James, died not long 
after of apoplexy; Mr. Watson followed soon afterwards; 
and other men of inferior note, but highly estimable for 
their talents and character, left their companions, with 
whom they had long been associated in ministerial labour, 
and went to join the glorified worshippers in the heavenly 
world. At the following Conference, tears were shed when 
the character and labours of these honoured fathers and 
brethren came under review. 

When his year of office as President ended, Mr. New- 
ton cheerfully resigned the authority with which he had 
been invested, and retired to an equality with his brethren. 
Through the year he had exerted himself with his wonted 
diligence and fidelity to serve the Connexion, at the head 
of which he had been placed ; and he was still as able and 
as willing as ever to meet the wishes of all who might need 
his service. 



128 



LIPE OE THE 



At this Conference of 1833^ lie was re-appointed to the 
Grosvenor-street Circuit in Manchester ; but to meet his 
case with respect to his Circuit and the Connexion at large, 
a new arran2:ement was made. His services were in 
general demand from one end of the kingdom to the other ; 
and yet the Circuit to which he was appointed, and from 
wdiich he received his salary, had claims upon him which 
he could not personally fulfil, unless the applications which 
were made to him from distant places were denied. 
During the year of his presidency which had just expired, 
a junior Minister lived in his family, for the purpose of 
assisting him in his correspondence and other engage ^ 
ments ; and it was now deemed advisable by the Confer- 
ence, that this arrangement should continue. In this case 
the junior Minister might take Mr. INTewton^s week-night 
appointments, visit the sick and other members of the 
Society, and leave him at liberty to accept invitations to 
distant places according to his ability. 

When this arrangement was made, Mr. Newton laid it 
down as a rule, from which he never would swerve, tc 
preach in his own Circuit every Sabbath-day through the 
year, except during the sittings of the English and Irish 
Conferences, and the time of holding the Anniversary of 
the Wesleyan Missionary Society in London. The assist- 
ance which was now afforded him, was continued from 
year to year till the end of his public life; and during 
this period, extending through nineteen years, he passed 
through such an amount of labour as w^as perhaps scarcely 
ever undertaken by any other man. He usually left home 
on the Monday morning, and preached once or twice a day, 
or preached once and attended a public meeting, returning 
home on the Saturday, to fulfil his engagements with his 



HEY. EOBEET XE^VTOX; D.D. 



129 



own congregations on tlie Sabbath. This arrangement 
met the T^ishes of his Circuits generally ; for if thev were 
deprived of his week-day services^ they had an efficient sub- 
stitute ; and both he and his assistant occupied the Circuit 
pulpits on the Lord's day. His friend^ Mr. Turner^ of 
Derby, used from year to year to make him a present of a 
small interleaved almanack ; and on the blank pages of 
these diminutive volumes^ he inscribed the daily engage- 
ments which he had made with friends in particular places. 
Seventeen of these almanacks now lie before the writer of 
these pages, literally filled with the names of places, and 
presenting scarcely a vacant day_, except Saturday, when he 
returned to what he calls his sweet home ; so that the 
crowded assemblies which his name drew together in 
distant places, from year to year, were collected, not during 
the leisure of the Sabbath, but on the other days of the 
week, when the calls of business are urgent and pressing : 
a demonstrative proof of the attractiveness of his ministry. 

In those times, before railways were generally constructed 
in England, he was familiarly known to the drivers and 
guards of stage-coaches on aU the great roads, who regarded 
him as a friend, and were ever ready to meet his wishes. 
On one occasion, it is said, he had made an engagement to 
meet a coach at the end of a cross-road, early in the morning ; 
but when the coach arrived, he was not on the spot. The 
coachman stopped, and the passengers began to remonstrate. 
He expressed a fuE. persuasion that the reverend gentle- 
man would speedily appear, and he was unwilling to leave 
him. Immediately Mr. XeT^i:on was seen galloping up the 
cross-road with a carpet-bag in his hand. On his arrival 
he tied the horse^s head to a gate, took his place behind 
the coachman with many expressions of thanks, and stated 



130 



LIFE OP THE 



that he had set off in time with a friend in a gig; that the 
gig had broken down^ when he stripped the horse of its 
harness, mounted its bare back^ and left his friend to 
follow on foot^ for the purpose of taking the horse back 
as^ain. By these means he was able to fulfil his eno:a2:e- 
ments for the day. 

A letter which he wrote a few months after the young 
Minister was appointed to take his week-night appoint- 
ments^ will serve at once to show what manner of spirit he 
was of^ and his ceaseless activity. It was addressed to his 
friend Dr. Beecham^ one of the General Secretaries of the 
Wesleyan ]\Iissionary Society^ and is as follows : — 

Manchestee, Decemler Wk, 1833. 
I a:^i obliged by your kind communication^ as I was 
also by the ''Notice^ which you sent me to Portsmouth. 
Tv e had indeed delightful m^eetings in that town and district^ 
especially at Cowes and Xevrport^ where the chapels would 
have been filled had they been twice as large as they are. 
At Bareham we occupied the ball-room^ which^ notwith- 
standing the wind and rain^ was crowded to excess. I have 
lately attended meetings at Warrington^ Sheffield^ Market- 
Weighton^ Doncaster^ Kirton-Lindsey^ and Boxholes. In 
every instance the collection exceeded that of the former 
year. The Sheffield East Branch yielded more than the 
meeting of the District Society at the last Anniversary. 
At Foxholes the chapel would not contain a tweKth part 
of the crowd assembled on the occasion. Necessity is the 
parent of invention; and a prodigiously large booth was 
constructed;, which would accommodate from twelve to 
fifteen hundred persons. This novel temple was full to 
overflowing at the meeting in the afternoon^ and at the 



EEY. EOBEIIT ^'ET^TO^■; D.D. 



131 



preaching in the evening. The collection was five times 
the amount of that in the previous year. 

After I had pronounced the blessing in the evenings a 
young man_, in the habit of a farmer^s servant^ came to me 
in the crovrd_, and said^ think I have not done quite 
enough ; for if those poor creatures be as you say they are^ 
I must try to do a little more/ putting two shillings and 
sixpence into my hand. A farmer's servant knows how he 
earns every half-crown that he obtains; but this man 
thought that he could do better without his half-crown 
than the Heathen can do Avithout the Gospel of salvation. 

My hst of engagements for the spring reads thus : — 
April 6th, 7th, and Sth, Sheffield; 13th, kc, Liverpool; 
20th, S:c., Birmingham; 27th, tc, Manchester; and you 
may say. May 4th, &:c., London; but you must excuse me 
on tlie week-day. I am very willing to work on the Sab- 
bath. April 11th, &:c., I go to Bath and Bristoh I will 
try to arrange for Leicester and iS"ottingham. I have had 
pressing apphcations from Xorthampton, Salisbury, Stock- 
ton, Darlington, Barnard-Castle, and Alnwick, to none of 
which I have yet replied. Possibly I may attend some of 
those meetings in the north on my way to Scotland. At 
Castle-Donington, Huntingdon, and St. Ives, we had excel- 
lent meetings. At St. Ives the chapel-yard was nearly 
filled during the meeting. 

^^But kind as it was in the last Conference to appoint 
me a substitute, and truly excellent as is the young man so 
appointed, I find the Circuit is not satisfied. This morn- 
ing I have been officially waited upon by the Circuit 
Stewards, stating to me, in the kindest and most respectful 
terms, the wish of the friends here, that I should be more 
at home; adding, that they have heard from different 



132 



LIPE OP THE 



quarters^ tliat I am likely to be entirely devoted to tlie 
Missionary cause the next year^ as travelling agent to the 
Society ; and that^ if there be any truth in the report^ they 
ought to be informed before the Christmas Quarterly Meet- 
ings that they may look out for themselves. I told them 
that the present plan could not be continued another year^ 
for I am now more perplexed than ever; that what was 
formerly asked as a favour is now demanded as a right ; 
and my letters of invitation have^ for some time^ averaged 
more than thirty a week. As to the report they had heard, 
I told them I could be no candidate for any such ofRce ; 
that it had been named to me by several of my brethren, 
and by some lay friends, in different parts of the country ; 
l)ut tliat I had never given an opinion on the subject. I 
promised them, however, to write to you by this post, 
expressing their desire that if anything like what they have 
heard were intended to be proposed to the Missionary 
Committee, the Circuit might be informed previously to 
the next Quarterly Meeting. One thing is clear : I must 
either give up this extra work, or I shall not get a Circuit.'^ 

Of the meeting at Poxholes which is mentioned in 
this letter, Mr. Addison, of Scarborough, who was present 
on the occasion, gives the following graphic account:— 
"The golden harvest having been safely gathered in, 
several respectable farmers, residing at and near Foxholes, 
in the Scarborough Circuit, were desirous of having a 
Missionary Meeting ; but where to hold it was the ques- 
tion. Their barns were filled with corn, and no chapel 
in the neighbourhood was sufficiently large. At length, 
they resolved to erect a temple in the open fields; and 
this they did by bringing together several waggons, which 



EEY. EGBERT XET^TOX; D.D. 133 

thev formed into a long square. Poles Trere placed at 
certain distances from each otlier^ and over tlie vrliole ^as 
tkrora a roof of tarpanling : and altliongli no ^ long- 
drawn aisle ^ or ^n^etted roof^ was tliere^ it was indeed 
a beautiful temple^ and was well filled with attentive 
people; and the holy enjoyment of that day left a per- 
manent impression upon many minds. The next morning 
Mr. Xewton said^ ''Before I entered the tent^ in the 
afternoon^ I was astonished to see in every quarter large 
masses of people coming over the tops of the hills,, all 
wending their way to this tabernacle in the wilderness.'' 
He regretted that no artist was there to take a sketch of 
the animating scene.'''' 

Of Mr. Xewton^s character and course of action at 
this interesting period of his life^ the Eev. John Bedford 
gives the following account : — In 1S33 I was appointed 
by the Conference to Manchester^ as the Eev. Piobert 
Xewton^s assistant^ and resided in his house during the 
ensuino: two vears. Manv considerations led me to reo\ard 
this appointment with fear and trembling ; but the uni- 
form affability and kindliness with which he treated me, 
both reheved my apprehensions^ and encouraged me in 
my studies and labours. Prom first to last he acted 
towards me as a father; so that I coidd not but feel 
it to be a great privilege to labour under his direction^ 
as a son in the Gospel. 

^^At the commencement of those years his popularity 
was very great. Every week^ on his return home^ a pile 
of letters^ containing invitations to preach and to attend 
meetings in the most important Circuits of the Connexion, 
as well as in smaller places, awaited his consideration ; 
vrhile, in many instances, deputations, sometimes from a 



134 



LIFE OF THE 



considerable distance, solicited his services. Yet in my 
closest intimacy with him, I never heard him boast of 
his position, of his influence, or of the applause which 
everywhere attended his course. He carried his popu- 
larity with dignity, but without pride or ostentation ; and 
invariably spoke, not of the high reputation which he 
possessed, but of the happiness of successful labour, and 
of the importance of the work before him. To do as 
much service as he could crowd into the shortest time 
was his uniform aim ; and in this his extensive knowledge 
of the principal roads and coaches in the kingdom (for 
railways were not then numerous) M-as turned to the 
best account. He frequently calculated to a nicety the 
exact time it would require to reach particular places, and 
the help which could be obtained at various points, whe- 
ther from private friends or public conveyances, to enable 
him to accomplish his journey in time for the services 
which he had engaged to conduct. To carry out plans 
of this kind often required very early rising, after the 
exertions of many preceding days, and the securing of a 
seat in or upon some coach, which probablj^ was the only 
regular means of communication between distant places ; 
and it was really surprising to learn how constantly he 
succeeded in carrying into effect his entire plans, often 
extending over two or three weeks of daily travelling, 
exposure to the changes of the weather, and extreme exer- 
tions, without disappointing a single expectation. 

That his heart was always in his work, many minute 
circumstances abundantly proved. Por examxple : although 
he frequently did not reach home from his long journeys 
until Saturday afternoon, and had then a considerable 
correspondence to conduct, he generally attended the 



HEV. EOBEET NEWTON^ D.D. 



135 



prayer-meeting which was held in the vestry of the 
Oxford-road chapel on the Saturday evening, and evi- 
dently delighted to join in thanksgiving and supplication 
with the little band of pious persons who there assembled. 
Whenever he reached home in time to attend the weekly 
meeting of the Ministers of the Circuit,, he was always 
present ; and while his counsels were judicious, his prayers 
on such occasions were as fervent and frequently as 
copious as though he had been pleading with God in the 
midst of a great congregation in behalf of the ministry, the 
church, and the world. 

Although his time at home was so brief, if any special 
cases of affliction existed among those members of the 
Society who were known to him, he contrived, when it 
was at all practicable, to visit them. This diligent atten- 
tion to matters which, in the midst of such extraordinary 
labours, might have been deemed, in his case, of minor 
moment, always impressed me with a profound respect 
for his character, as a good Minister of Jesus Christ, 
faithful in small as well as in great things relating to 
the house and service of Christ.''^ 



136 



LIFE OF THE 



CHAPTER YIII. 

The interruptions -wliicli good men often experience in 
tlie enterprises of benevolence and piety upon -u'liicli their 
hearts are set^ and for which they are specially qualified, 
must ever be regarded as some of those mysteries of Di\^ne 
Providence "which human ins:enuitv strives in vain to 
unravel. TTho can account for the fact^ that St. Paul, 
who was called of God to evangelize the Heathen of his 
time, and who was endued with miraculous powers, as 
well as the requisite zeal and firmness of purpose, for the 
mnghty task, was often confined in prisons by bad and 
worthless men, while he longed to go forth in liis Master^s 
name, and the people were actually perishing for lack of 
the knowledge wliich he was appointed to impart ? 

Mr. Wesley complained that he was frequently com- 
pelled to suspend his public labours, for the purpose of 
repelling the fierce attacks that were made upon his doc- 
trine and proceedings by the Lavingtons and the TTar- 
burtons of his age, — men who would neither themselves 
attempt to instruct and reclaim the ignorant and profligate 
masses around them, nor quietly suffer him and his fellow- 
labourers to prosecute the pious and benevolent task. 

It must have been intensely galling to the ardent mind 
of Mr. Xewton, during the second and third years of his 
appointment to the Grosvenor-street Circuit in Manchester, 
to be diverted from his proper work of preaching the 
Gospel, and pleading the cause of evangelical ^lissions, 
and to be occupied in matters of discipline, which were 
forced upon him by misguided men, who engaged in 



P.EY. KOBEET NETVTON; D.D. 



137 



schemes of miscliief, and attempted to introduce disorder 
and confusion into the Methodist Connexion^ so as to turn 
many out of the way of righteousness. 

After many years of incessant and violent agitation^ the 
British Legislature passed what has been called the 
Catholic Relief Bill^ admitting Romanists into Parliament^ 
and giving them a voice in framing laws for this Pro- 
testant nation. This change in the Constitution was 
effected in the year 1829 ; and three years afterwards an 
equally important change took place in respect of the 
House of Commons^ the elective franchise being materially 
altered^ so as to embrace a much wider range. The 
consequence was^ that the public mind was to a great 
extent unsettled^ and many people were intent upon futur-e 
changes, under the indefinite name of Eeform, without 
knowing or even caring to what they would ultimately 
lead. By means of this state of public feelings the peace 
of the Methodist Societies was seriously disturbed; and 
Mr. Newton was called upon to take a prominent part in 
resisting the tide of innovation which then set in, and 
which seemed for a time to threaten the very existence 
of the Wesley an institutions, which had long been in 
operation, and from which the most substantial benefits 
had been received. 

During Mr. Wesley^s lifetime, he exercised a general 
superintendency over the Preachers and Societies that were 
in connexion with him ; and at his decease his power in 
this respect devolved upon the Conference, which he 
appointed to assemble every twelve months. To meet any 
emergency that might arise in the intervals of its sittings, 
the Connexion was divided into Districts, the Preachers of 
wliich formed a Committee of the Conference, who were to 

N 3 



138 



LIEE or THE 



act in its behalf in every matter that might require their 
interference. Over every District there is a Chairman^ 
who is annually appointed by ballot at the Conference^ and 
is made responsible for the maintenance of discipline in his 
District^ until the Conference shall again assemble. 

Mr. Newton was the Chairman of the Manchester 
District in the years 1833 and 1834. The case which 
first claimed his attention was that of a young Preacher^ 
who was stationed in a Circuit contiguous to Manchester^ 
and who entered upon an irregular course of action^ which 
was an occasion of just offence to many. He was the son 
of an esteemed Minister in the body^ and was himself 
possessed of good talents and address ; and had he confined 
himself to his proper work^ to which he was solemnly 
pledged, he might have been extensively useful and highly 
honoured : but he unhappily imbibed the revolutionary 
spirit of the times,, and engaged in a project in which it 
was impossible for him to succeed, and which was sure to 
destroy his usefulness as a Methodist Preacher. When 
the measure of Parliamentary Eeform was carried, many 
persons thought that the next great change to be effected 
was the separation of the Church from, the State; and 
in some quarters an opinion was expressed, that if the 
Methodists would only unite with other bodies of the 
community in an earnest attempt to effect this object, it 
might be speedily obtained. This young man appears to 
have entertained these views, and resolved to anticipate his 
fathers and brethren, by taking a leading part in this 
tempting project. He therefore connected himself with 
a Society which was formed for the express purpose of 
obtaining this end; became its Corresponding Secretary; 
attended pubKc meetings which were convened to agitate 



HEY. EOBEET NEWTON^ D.D. 



139 



this question^ avowing liimself to be a Methodist Preacher, 
and thus compromising the character of the body to which 
he belonged ; and all this without consulting his Superin- 
tendent, and in known opposition to his judgment. 

It was impossible that these proceedings should pass 
without animadversion. In a body so large as that of 
the Wesleyan Methodists, it might be expected that there 
would be a diversity of opinion concerning the abstract 
question of a union between Church and State; but, as 
a religious community, they have never declared their 
hostility to the Church as a national establishment, nor 
have they ever affected to interfere with the revenues of 
the Clergy, or the prerogative of the Crown in the 
bestowal of ecclesiastical preferment. Many members of 
the Methodist Societies attend the services of the Church, 
and receive the Lord^s supper at her altars. The two 
Wesleys lived and died in her communion; Sellon and 
Fletcher, the very able and earnest defenders of the 
Wesleyan theology, were of her Clergy; so was Dr. 
Coke, the father of the Weslevan Missions : and so 
were Messrs. Pdchardson, Dickenson, and Creighton, who 
were officially connected with the Methodist chapels in 
London. The conduct of this young man was, therefore, 
an occasion of just offence, and was felt to be intolerable. 

These were not the only grounds of objection to his 
proceedings. It was impossible that he should fulfil his 
engagements, as Corresponding Secretary to such a Society, 
sending letters all over the kingdom, attending pubhc 
meetings, stirring up the people everywhere to exertion, 
associating with persons of every grade of opinion, and 
even with avowed unbelievers, and, at the same time, be 
an efficient Methodist Preacher, whose business it was, not 



140 



LIFE OF THE 



to preacli so many tiraes, or to take care of tliis or tliat 
Society, but to save as many souls as he could ; to bring 
as many sinners as possible to repentance ; and, with all 
his might, to build them up in that holiness, . without 
which no man shall see the Lord. As a Methodist 
Preacher, he had solemnly bound himself to a diligent 
and prayerful study of the holy Scriptures, to the ministry 
of the word, to the visitation of the sick, and of the 
members of the Societies generally, to the religious care of 
children and young people, and to a respectful deference 
to the judgment of those who were over him in the 
Lord. These sacred pledges it was now impossible for 
him to keep. 

In these circumstances it became the duty of Mr. 
Newton, as the Chairman of the District, to call the err- 
ing youth to an account. At the meeting which was 
convened on the occasion, the evil of his conduct was 
pointed out to the young man, and he was required to 
renounce his connexion with the Church-and-State-Sepa- 
ration Society, and the course of public agitation upon 
which he had entered; but this he peremptorily refused, 
and was therefore placed under suspension till the 
ensuing Conference. The same requirement upon him was 
made by that body, when it assembled and had heard the 
case ; and this requirement was seconded by the entreaties 
of his aged father ; but he was resolved to have his own 
way, preferring political agitation to the preaching of the 
Gospel, and therefore retired from the Connexion. 

Through the whole of this vexatious business, Mr. 
Newton acted with equal kindness to the young man, 
and fidelity to the trust which he sustained. He was 
grieved to see the peace of the Societies disturbed, a 



UEV. EOBEET NEWTON^ D.D. 



141 



young man of good abilities and address ruining his use- 
fulness as a Preacher^ and violating liis ministerial vows^ 
for that which could never turn to any good account ; 
and he was no less grieved that so much of his own time 
was occupied in listening to irritating debates^ rather 
than in preaching the Gospel of Christy and in engaging 
the prayers and efPorts of Christian people in behalf of 
Heathen nations. But he felt that he had done his duty 
to the body with which he was happily united ; his 
brethren declared their entire approval of what he had 
done ; and it was undeniable that he had acted with 
tenderness and moderation. The offender^ with all his 
faults^ might have saved himself if he would. 

At the Conference of 1834^ which was held in London^ 
Mr. Newton was returned to the same Circuity and was 
again made the Chairman of the Manchester District ; and 
he soon found that troubles of a more formidable kind 
awaited him^ than were those which he had encountered 
in the past year. The agent of mischief in this case 
was not a young man^ but a Minister of many years'' 
standings and the Superintendent of one of the Manches- 
ter Circuits ; a man^ too^ who had hitherto maintained a 
peaceable character in the Connexion^ but noAV surren- 
dered himself to become the tool of a party, and had 
created surprise by a display of pugnacity at the Conference 
which was just ended. 

Tor many years it had been felt that the Methodist 
Ministry laboured under a great disadvantage through 
the want of a previous training; and the best method 
of remedying this defect was a matter of anxious inquiry 
both with the Ministers and lay-members of the body. A 
Committee was appointed the previous year, to arrange a 



143 



LIFE OP THE 



plan for the purpose. They fuliilled their trust, and 
reported the result of their deliberations to the Conference ; 
and that body, after the entire subject had been amply 
discussed, resolved that the Theological Institution 
should be immediately commenced, and that the candidates 
for the Methodist Ministry at home, and also the men 
who were intended for Missionary service, should alike 
share in its benefits. 

Dr. W., who had been a member of the Preparatory 
Committee, and was understood to be favourable to the 
project, when he found that he was not himself included in 
any of its arrangements, and that the man whom he nom^i- 
nated as the Theological Tutor was not accepted in that 
character, declared himself to he hostile to the entire 
scheme, and spoke against it in the Conference. It was, 
however, hoped that all opposition would now end, the 
matter having been determined by a large majority ; and 
the probability is that, had the Doctor been left to his own 
judgment and feeling, he would have peaceably acquiesced 
in the decision of his brethren. But there were other 
parties, actuated by the spirit of the times, and anxious to 
introduce organic changes in the Methodist system, who 
urged him on by flattery and promises of support, till his 
ruin as a Methodist Preacher was complete. The fact is, 
they cared nothing for him, any further than he was able 
to serve them in their schemes of mischief ; and when in 
this respect he was of no further use to them, they cast him 
aside as a broken reed. 

On his return to his Circuit after the Conference, he set 
up the standard of rebellion against the body to which his 
submission was solemnly pledged, by publishnig a pamphlet 
in opposition to the decision of his brethren in Conference 



HEV. EOBEET NEWTON^ D.D. 



143 



assembled^ calliiig upon tlie people everywhere to resist it. 
He endeavoured to engage the authorities of his Circuit in 
the same course ; he called upon the Missionary collectors 
to withhold their services^ because the funds of the Mis- 
sionary Society were to be in part applied to the giving of 
a literary and theological training to the men who were 
going forth to preach the Gospel to the Heathen^ to trans- 
late the Holy Scriptures^ and to give a Christian literature 
to sava2:e tribes. He did more. He identified himself 
with a body of desperate men who banded themselves toge- 
ther to subvert the constitution of Wesleyan Methodism, 
and to substitute for it an untried system of democracy. 
For this purpose they called public meetings, endeavour- 
ing to inflame the passions of the populace; and they sent 
forth from the press misleading statements, and injurious 
attacks upon the character and motives of the most able 
and useful Ministers of the body. 

Here then again Mr. Xewton was compelled to interfere, 
as the Chairman of the Manchester District, and call upon 
his bretliren to adjudicate in this case of fearful delinquency. 
They assembled, but the offender contemned their authority, 
and refused to answer for his conduct. He acknowledged 
the authority of the Conference in appointing him to a 
Circuit, and then attempted to subvert the power from 
which he had accepted the benellt. As he placed himself 
in an attitude of direct hostility to the rules and usages of 
the body, the District-Meeting, as in duty bound, suspended 
him from his ministerial functions ; and requested Mr. 
Newton to take the charge of the Circuit till the Conference 
should assemble, or till the offender should submit to the 
rule and order which he had promised before God, not only 
to obey, but enforce. The Trustees of the chapels belonging 



144 



LIFE OF THE 



to the Circuit wliicli was now placed under the care of 
Mr. Newton, were, with very few exceptions, faithful in the 
day of trial, especially the Trustees of the Oldham-street 
chapel, which was the head of the Circuit, and lent all their 
aid in upholding the discipHne of the Connexion. Mr. 
James Wood, Mr. John Burton, and Mr. Tildes, especially, 
stood prominently forward, in this emergency, in defence 
of Methodism against lawless aggression. 

The salary of Dr. W. was secured to him without diminu- 
tion, notwithstanding his suspension, so that he sustained 
no pecuniary damage; but the party with which he had 
connected himself were reckless of all consequences, and 
made an appeal to the Court of Chancery, to restrain Mr. 
Newton from preaching in the Oldham-street Circuit, and 
to restore the suspended Doctor to his ministerial functions. 
By this means they endeavoured to anniliilate at one stroke 
the discipline of the Connexion so far as the Ministry is 
concerned, and leave every Preacher at liberty to do what- 
ever he pleases during the intervals of the Conference. 
Great was the anxiety which this appeal created among the 
friends of peace, of order, and of purity. That the pro- 
ceedings in Dr. W.^s case were perfectly regular, and in 
accordance with the usages of the Connexion, was unde- 
niable ; but how secular Judges in a civil court would 
regard the regulations which the Conference had from time 
to time adopted, and which were drawn up by unprofes- 
sional men, was a matter of uncertainty. Many a prayer 
was therefore offered to God, that He would defend the 
right, and not suffer the hedge of discipline, by which a 
spiritual work had been hitherto guarded, to be broken 
down, and that work to be wantonly destroyed. 

The case was heard in the Yice-Chancellor^s Court, Feb- 



EEV. EOBSET NEWTO^^^ D.D. 



145 



ruarv 2Stli, 1835^ and two following days. Sir diaries 
Wetlierell^ Mr. Kniglit^ Mr. Kindersley^ and Mr. Parker, 
were tlie Counsel for the plaintiff ; and for tlie defendants, 
Sir William Home, Mr. Eolfe, and Mr. Piggott. Tlie 
Court was crowded to excess, both the friends and the 
enemies of Methodism feeling the liveliest interest in the 
issue of the case. It was observed that the Counsel for 
the plaintiff appeared to be instructed to treat the character 
of some of the most esteemed and venerated Ministers in 
the Wesleyan body mill sarcasm and invective, and to hold 
them up to the Court as objects of distrust, and even of 
reprobation. The Eev. Joseph Taylor, the President of the 
Conference, Mr. INTewton, the Chairman of the Manchester 
District, and Mr. Bunting, who was known to be one of 
the ablest advocates of the Wesleyan discipline, and a wise 
adviser in all cases of difficulty, all received their share of 
censure, and were severally compared with some of the 
worst characters that figure in English history. Judge 
Jefferies in particular. In this species of forensic rhetoric 
Sir Charles Wetherell surpassed his brethren. This able 
lawyer, who was eccentric in his habits, slovenly in his 
dress, and a high Tory in politics, was retained to defend 
a low and vulgar democracy in a Christian community, and 
to show that a thorough contempt of all rule and order 
is perfectly justifiable in a man who has solemnly engaged 
himself to uphold both ; and it may be readily conceived 
that he found it much easier to utter coarse invectives than 
to defend what he could not but feel to be radically 
wrong. He was especially copious in his reflections upon 
Mr. Tsewton, affecting not to know that he was in the 
Court. Mr. K'ewton sat before Sir Charles, looked him 
full in the face, lifted up his noble head, and presented a 

o 



146 



LIFE OF THE 



face as honest and as truly English as ever appeared in that 
or any other assembly. Not a muscle of liis face moved ; 
not a blush arose upon it ; and his brow was as calm and 
smooth as if he had been in a happy Missionary Meet- 
ing ; for he had a conscience void of offence both toward 
God and man. He was not buffeted for Ids faults/^ 
but censured for doing that which was matter of sacred 
duty. 

Having heard the entire case with patient attention. 
Sir Lancelot Shadwell, the Yice-Chancellor, delivered judg- 
ment with admirable precision, refusing the injunction 
for which Dr. W. and his party had applied, and jus- 
tifying all that the District-Meeting and the faithful 
Trustees had done in the case, as being in strict accord- 
ance with the rules and usages of the Connexion, to 
which the Doctor and his friends were as solemnly pledged 
as the defendants. At the same time he animadverted 
upon the intemperate and abusive language which Dr. W. 
had used in his pamphlet, in respect of his brethren in 
the Ministry, who had felt it their duty to oppose him 
in his divisive and revolutionary proceedings; reminding 
him that '''' reviling is a sin which is expressly forbidden 
to Christian people. 

In the morning of this eventful day Mr. Newton came 
to the Court from some place in the country, where he 
had preached the preceding evening ; and vvhen the judg- 
ment of the Yice-Chancellor had been given, and the 
Court was breaking up, his friends gathered round him 
as he retired with his great-coat on his arm, presenting to 
him their congratulations, and some of them inviting 
him to their homes. His answer was, I thank you ! I 
thank you ! but I must be upon the coach in a little while, 



HEV. EOBEET XEWTON^ D.D. 



147 



ha\aiig engaged to preach in a distant toTrn to-morrow 
mornino;/^ 

" So spake the seraph Abdiel, 

unmovedj 

Unsliakeii, unseduced, unterrified. 

His loyalty he kept, his love, his zeal ; 

Nor number nor example with him vvTOUght 

To swerve from truth, or change his constant mind." 

Yet while he found solace in his evangelical mission^ 
and was sustained by the consciousness of personal recti- 
tude^ he felt^ and that deeply^ the injury that was done 
to the cause which^ above all others^ was dear to his 
hearty — the cause of spiritual religion, the religion of holy 
love. A wicked newspaper, in the interest of the hostile 
party, poured forth its reckless abuse from week to week 
upon the Wesleyan Ministers generally, and especially 
upon the most gifted and faitliful among them ; noisy 
and clamorous meetings were extensively convened, for 
the same evil purpose ; and the consequence was, that 
many religious people, particularly among the poor, were 
stunned, offended, and turned out of the way of righteous- 
ness, in not a few instances casting off even the profession 
of Christian godliness. These cases of religious defectiom 
in which the people made shipwreck of their faith, deeply 
affected the generous heart of Mr. [N'ewton ; so that, at 
times, his wonted cheerfulness forsook him ; he remained 
silent in his family for hours together ; or only exclaiming, 
in tones of sorrow, These sheep, — what have they done, 
that they should be thus scattered and destroyed ? The 
unmerited reproach with which his own name was loaded, 
he could bear without a sigh; but the scattering of the 
poor people, who had been gathered into the fold by 

0 a 



148 



LIFE OF THE 



hard and prayerful ministerial labour^ wrung his heart 
with anguish. J ustly is it said^ " One sinner destroyeth 
much good/^ It requires but a feeble agency to effect 
a fearful amount of evil^ either in religious bodies^ or in 
general society. 

Dr. W. and his friends^ still bent upon the overthrow of 
the Methodist discipline^ sought to retrieve what they had 
lost in the Court below^ by an appeal to the High Court of 
Chancery, where Lord Lyndhurst then presided with 
unrivalled ability. Before him the case was argued^ by the 
same Counsel, on the 18th of March, and the three follow- 
ing days ; and on the 25th his Lordship pronounced 
judgment. Here again Sir Charles WethereE. distin- 
guished himself. He was less abusive than he had 
formerly been ; for perhaps he remembered the animadver- 
sions of the Yice-Chancellor upon his client, for his intem- 
perate language : but he argued like a man who was not 
convinced by his own reasonings ; so that it required not 
the perspicacity of a Lyndhurst to detect his fallacies. 
The writer of this narrative weU remembers that Sir 
Charles, in his attempt to prove that, according to the con- 
stitution of Methodism, no District-Meeting has the power 
to suspend a Preacher, whatever may be his conduct, 
alleged that no District-Meeting was ever known to 
suspend a Preacher during the whole of Mr. Wesley^'s hfe- 
time, " I believe. Sir Charles,^^ said the Lord Chancellor, 
^Hhat the Connexion was not divided into Districts till 
after Mr. Wesley^s death. So that when there were no 
Districts, of course there could be no District-Meetings, 
either to suspend a Preacher, or to do anything else.^'' 

Exactly so, my Lord,^^ replied Sir Charles, with perfect 
naivete; "that is my argument.''^ Yet nobody thought that 



HEY. EOBEET NEWTON^ D.B. 



U9 



the learned Kniglit deemed it of any value ; for if it proved 
anything^ it proved tliat because Sir Charles could not 
wear a silk gown before he was born^ he could not by 
possibility wear one afterwards. 

During the interval which elapsed between the arguing 
of the casC; and the delivery of the Chancellor's judgment^ 
there is reason to believe that many a prayer was offered 
by devout people in the retirement of the closet^ tliat his 
Lordship might be guided aright. An adverse judgment 
would have been the most serious calamity that ever befell 
the Wesleyan body. It would have been an inlet to the 
greatest practical e\'ils ; giving the Ministers in their 
Circuits a license to perpetrate any outrage^ during the 
intervals of the Conference^ retaining at the same time the 
undisturbed occupation of the pulpits^ and leaving their 
colleagues and the people without any means of redress. 

On the morning which was appointed for the delivery 
of judgment^ the Court was crowded to excess. His Lord- 
ship spoke nearly an hour^ apparently without any reference 
to notes or memoranda^ and with surprising accuracy^ so as 
to make only one mistake^ and that in a date. He said^ I 
have looked with considerable attention into the volumes 
which have been handed up to me^ containing the Minutes 
of the proceedings of the Society. They breathe a spirit 
of meekness and of Christian feeling throughout ; and I 
trust I may be permitted to express my regret that^ in a 
Society so constituted^ for such objects^ with such motives^ 
and with such feelings^ dissensions of this description 
should have been introduced. ''^ 

The question resolves itself into two points. Has the 
District-Committee power to suspend a Preacher ? and^ 
if the District-Committee have the power to suspend^ the 

o 3 



150 LIFE OF THE 

next question will be^ Have tliey regularly exercised tliat 
power in tlie present instance 

Having argued both tliese questions^ he added^ I there- 
fore am of opinion^ not only that the District-Committee 
had the power to suspend^ but I am of opinion that they 
acted legally/^ ^^Upon these two grounds^ the regularity 
of the proceedings, and being satisfied of the authority of 
the body, I am bound to affirm the decision in this respect 
of the Yice- Chancellor/'' The judgment therefore of His 
Honour the Vice-Chancellor must be afSrmed/^ 

When this decision had been given, Mr. Newton and 
Dr. W. left the Court, intent upon very different objects. 
The Doctor, as regardless of the judgment of the Lord 
Chancellor, as he was of the decision of the Manchester 
District-Meeting, resumed his course of agitation, labour- 
ing with all liis might to spread discord in the Societies 
throughout the kingdom, and alienate them in confidence 
and affection from the Ministers who were over them in 
the Lord, apprehensive, as it would seem, that his services 
in this evil work would be of short duration. 

Mr. Newton resumed his ministry, and his advocacy 
of Missions, with renewed zest, and to the utmost of his 
power. He took a leading part in the meetings of the 
Auxiliary Societies of Liverpool and Manchester, and then 
attended the Anniversary of the Wesleyan Missionary 
Society in London in the beginning of May. The Annual 
Meeting of this year excited special attention, because 
of the strenuous attempts w4iich had been made for several 
months to damage the Society in the public estimation, to 
ruin its finances, and thus to cripple its operations, and 
extinguish the light of truth in heathen lands. The con- 
sequence was, that the public m^eeting in Exeter-Hall was 



EEY. EOBEET XEWTOX^ D.D. 



151 



larger tlian it had ever been. The place was densely filled, 
and some hundreds went away unable to obtain admission. 

The people remembered the unmerited abuse which had 
been lavished upon Mv, Tsewton for several months, and 
the exemplary meekness and self-possession with which he 
had passed through the fiery trial ; and when he arose to 
speak, a considerable time elapsed before he could gain a 
hearing. From all parts of the hall proceeded several 
successive bursts of kind feeling, the sounds of which filled 
him with thankfulness, and humbled him into the dust. He 
felt that what are usually called rounds of applause were 
in this case declarations of attaclnnent to the Missions, the 
maintenance of which was dear to him as his own soul. 

Wlien silence was restored, he said : It is not neces- 
sary that I should say that the ]\Iissionary cause, which 
has brought us together once more, has still my most 
entire approbation. I wiU say, however, that this cause 
was never more dear to me than it is this day. We 
have heard of storms and battle-fields ; but surely no one 
who had not heard anvthins: of this kind before he came 
to tliis meeting, could suspect that there was any truth 
in the statement. We have no storms here, thank God ; 
we are all of one heart and mind; we have no contest, 
unless it be who shall be foremost in the career of Cliris- 
tian benevolence. 

^^In the course of the year, (to take up the figure of 
my excellent friend Dixon from Liverpool,) there cer- 
tainly has been a storm somewhere about the Black Eock, 
near that town ; yet, thank God, the Missionary vessel has 
weathered the storm, and has come round the Eock in 
safety. I was on board that vessel the other day. I 
found her in good condition, and, so far as I am com- 



152 



LIPE OP THE 



petent to judge^ she is perfectly seaworthy. There were 
attempts^ I know^ made by some on board to scuttle 
her^ that she might go down ; but they found her con- 
structed of materials far more impenetrable than even 
the heart of oak^ cased with copper. I have also to say, 
that the vessel is well-manned ; and^ what my friend 
neglected to say, that during her last annual voyage, 
notwithstanding all that has taken place, she has yielded 
a larger cargo than she ever did before. 

^^If they have had a sea-fight at Liverpool, we have 
had some land-skirmishing at Manchester : but we have 
not struck; our colours are yet flying; and you will 
give us credit when we say, that we are determined to 
stand by them. I hope we have not been cowards during 
the late engagement ; certainly we have not been deserters, 
and we are not come here to say that we have had a hard 
and perilous service, and must now retire. We are not 
even come to exhibit our scars, but are ready again for 
active service. I am free to confess that, during the 
whole of our engagement at Manchester, I never feared 
the result. I was sure our cause was good; it was the 
cause of truth and righteousness; and I was confident 
the God of truth and righteousness would maintain it. 
I am happy to say, that even Manchester has been more 
productive this year than in any former one ; and we shall 
go back to our respective posts of duty refreshed and 
encouraged, and resolved to do all that we can to advance 
this good work. 

Recent circumstances have led us to make a more 
careful examination of our principles ; and we are sure 
that we stand upon solid rock. As to opposition, it is 
often the occasion of increased success. When all is 



EEY. HOSEET NEWTOX, D.D. 



153 



smootli and quiet^ even the real friends of the canse are 
in danger of slumbering; but when opposition raises its 
voice^ every dormant energy is aroused^ and every man 
is at his post^ and the friends of the cause are more 
united than ever. We never should have known in Man- 
chester^ how well we loved one another^ had not this 
opposition taught us. Our friends there (for in this re- 
spect they have done us a friendly service) have awakened 
attention^ pulled the alarm-bell^ and people have inquired 
what was the matter ; and not only has inquiry been 
elicited^ but information has been obtained^ and convic- 
tion produced; and not a few. in Manchester and its 
neighbourhood^ from that cause now say^ ^We will go 
with you ; for God is with you of a truth.'' 

Storms are occasionally necessary^ and they will arise. 
They purify the atmosphere ; and they certainly have pro- 
duced this effect both in Manchester and Liverpool. There 
are trees which only strike their roots deeper when storms 
assail them. The Missionary tree will strike its roots 
deeper^ and spread its branches wider^ and become more 
verdant^ fruitful, and blooming, than it ever yet has been. 

^^I will not trouble you longer than by repeating a 
passage from the New Testament, to which I have referred 
in my own mind during the last' six months with an 
interest which I never felt before. Some of us little know 
what honours await us ; for we have been called to sympa- 
thize with even the Apostles of our Lord : ^ By honour and 
dishonour, by evil report and good report, as deceivers, 
and yet true ; as unknown, and yet well known ; as dying, 
and, behold, we live ; as chastened, and not killed ; as sor- 
rowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many 
rich ; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things."' 



154 



LIFE OF THE 



With respect to tlie two cases of discipline in whicli Mr. 
Newton was concerned^ the persecutions to which, he was 
subjected on their account^ and the spirit in which he 
passed through the fiery ordeal^ Mr. Bedford^ who lived in 
his family^ bears an important testimony. The abettors 
of Dr. W. endeavoured, by inflammatory placards and 
other similar means, to enlist the sympathies and aid of 
^^lewd fellows of the baser sort/^ and, in a town like 
Manchester, it is never difficult to create a riot against any 
man who is engaged in the support of law and order, by 
calling him a tyrant and oppressor; and by representing 
men Vvdio are suffering for their evil deeds as martyrs, advo- 
cates of liberty, and friends of the people. Ungodly men, 
who had never learned the first principles of morahty and 
religion, and who had no m^ore connexion with Methodism 
than they had with the philosophy of Plato, were asked to 
assist in reforming the ecclesiastical arrangements of John 
Wesley. They knew nothing of the points at issue 
between the parties, but they could utter frightful noises, 
call names, and throw stones. 

It is painful to think,^^ says Mr. Bedford, that a man 
who was so pure-minded, laborious, and useful, should 
have been exposed to calumny and persecution in the 
discharge of his official duties. Yet so it was ; and his 
biography cannot be written, nor his character fully 
sketched, without adverting to scenes of trial through 
which he had thus to pass. Having, during the earlier 
part of my residence in his house, observed how well he 
could bear popularity, and how sacredly he consecrated the 
whole to his great Master^s service, I had subsequently many 
opportunities of marking his spirit and deportment while 
exposed to opposition and reproach for the truth^s sake. 



EEY. EOBEET ^:EAVTO^"^ D.D. 



155 



^^As the Chairman of the Manchester District^ he fek it 
to be his cluty_, in two cases^ wliich at that time became 
painfull J notorions_, to vindicate the principles of the 
Methodist Connexion^ the acts of the Conference^ and 
the reputation of several of its leading members. I 
have reason to know that the proceedings relating to these 
cases were not taken up without much reflection and 
prayer^ nor without a full conviction of their necessity and 
importance. But he could hardly have anticipated^ where 
duty was so clear^ the severity of the storm which broke 
upon him for the performance of it^ especially in the latter 
of the two cases. Yet he bore it with a calm meekness 
and a steady patience^ which showed a well-balanced mind^ 
and a heart um^uffled by anger or resentment, and which 
exhibited, in a new aspect of dignity and conscious recti- 
tude, a character that had long been resplendent amidst 
applause and honour. 

It surely required great firmness, as well as a full con- 
viction of duty, to bear a transition, sudden in itself, and 
pecuUar in its causes, from a long career of extraordinary 
popularity, during which delighted multitudes hung upon 
his lips, to a state of things in which his right to occupy 
certain pulpits was disputed, and he had to assert that 
right amidst undisguised manifestations of dislike and 
opposition. "V\ ell do I remember the time when a sort of 
popular violence was attempted in order to intimidate him, 
and he was threatened with personal injury ; yet he did not 
shrink from the post assigned him, nor did he retu^e from 
the pulpit until the disturbers, by various means of annoy- 
ance, rendered it impossible for him to continue the service. 
He then returned home, after being hooted by a pro- 
miscuous crowd in the streets, sorrowful, indeed, that mis- 



156 



LIFE OP THE 



guided men could so far forget wliat was due to public 
decency^ as well as to the cause and messengers of Clnist ; 
but calmly casting liimseK on tlie protection of God^, placing 
the issue of events in His hands, and praying that to those 
who had so grossly opposed and insulted him^ repentance 
and forgiveness might be granted. Many were the anony- 
mous letters that he received, some of them loading him 
with every species of abuse, and others threatening him 
with personal violence. 

The misrepresentations of his official acts by certain 
portions of the public press were frequent and gross ; and 
for a time, as I accompanied him along the streets, I heard 
rude men hiss at him, and utter scurrilous language : yet 
his remarks on such occasions were few, and indicative of 
pity and sorrow, rather than of irritation ; nor did he take 
any steps to punish the aggressors, or to defend his injured 
character. 

I do not remember that I ever saw his usual serenity 
remarkably disturbed but once. An individual called upon 
him, who, as a convert from Popery, had been for a tim.e 
employed in a part of the ]^>Iission-field. While partaking 
of the hospitality of Mr. Xewton, he indulged in a series 
of remarks derogatory to the character and principles of 
Ministers with whom he had occasional intercourse. ATith 
evident emotion, but with great dignity and firmness, 
Mr. K^ewton told him that he was unaccustomed to listen 
to such disparaging reflections upon the absent, and espe- 
cially upon men whom he knew to be entitled to all confi- 
dence and respect : and that he must either abstain from 
such observations, or retire. The backbiter was silenced, 
and soon after took his leave. 

In reviewing the trying scenes through which he 



HEY. r.OBEET 'SIl^VTOSj d.d. 



157 



passed^ during tliat season of public agitation^ I linow not 
Vv'liicli to admire most^ — his fidelity to great principles^ liis 
\Tilling sacrifice of personal popularity^ liis patience and 
gentleness under grievous provocations^ or liis calm and 
unwaverino' trust in God, as tlie Jud2:e of liis motives and 
conduct^ and tlie ultimate Tindicator of liis integrity and 
reputation. I rejoice that he outlived the slanders vrhicli 
assailed him., and received the homage which is so justly 
due to consistent piety, self-denying labours, unswerving 
fidelitv, and a Ions: course of emniient usefulness/^ 

A few weeks after the deliditful Anniversarv of the 
"Wesleyan Missionary Society had been held in London, in 
the year 1835, Mr. I-s^ewton prepared to attend the Irish 
Conference in Belfast, according to an arrangement which 
was made twelve months before, visiting Scotland on his 
way. He was kindly entertained, as he had often been 
before, at the house of Mrs. and Miss Drummond^ in 
Edinburgli, where he attended a Missionary Meeting, and 
then hastened to Aberdeen, being pledged to preach there, 
and to assist at a similar service. Here he felt himself to 
be so seriously unwell, that he returned to Edinburgh with 
all speed; and on entering into the house of Mrs. Drum- 
mond, the first words he was heard to utter were, 0, I 
am ill ! His complaint was inflammation of the chest. 
Mrs. Drummond immediately sent for Dr. Coldstream, an 
eminent physician in the city. When he arrived, the disease 
had assumed so serious a form, that there appeared little 
hope that the patient could sur\^ve many hours. Violent 
rem.edies were apphed; information of his perilous state 
was conveyed to Mrs. N'ewton ; and Dr. Coldstream, aware 
of the value of his patients Kfe, and fearing the issue, 
called to his assistance his friend and relation Dr. John 

p 



158 



LIFE OP THE 



Campbell^ another eminent medical practitioner in Edin- 
burgh. InteUigence of his danger spread with great 
rapidity through the kingdom ; the deepest sympathy was 
everywhere awakened ; and^ as in the case of St. Peter^ 
prayer was made of the church without ceasing "'^ for the 
preservation of a hfe which was felt to be eminently valu- 
able. Ki length the disorder abated ; yet such was its 
power^ that the physician confessed his inability to account 
for the recovery of the sufferer^ except on the principle of a 
direct interposition of Divine Providence in answer to 
prayer. 

Miss Drummond^ now Mrs. Cooper of Dunstable^ who 
with her mother attended upon Mr. Newton with the tender- 
est assiduity^ says : It was beautiful to witness^ throughout 
his illness, the calm and serene state of mind which he was 
enabled to exhibit. At all times his faith was strong, 
resting upon his Saviour. I was in constant attendance 
upon him, delighting to minister to his wants ; and when 
I asked him, as I frequently did, whether he felt anxious 
or disturbed, his usual answer was, ^ No, no, my dear 
young friend : I know all is well. I have faith in God.'' 
One daj^, when I placed on the table in his room a beautiful 
flower, newly plucked, he looked at it, and feebly said, (for 
he was not able to speak much,) ^That flower will fade, and 
so must I."* 

On the 13th of July he was so far recovered, as to be 
able to write to his children in Manchester. He says : 
^' This is the first day in which I have been permitted to 
use my pen since my severe attack of sickness ; and with 
what delight do I employ it to tell those who are so dear to 
me, that by the merciful providence of God my life, which 
was in great peril, is spared ! I was in such a state when 



HEY. EOBEET NEWTOX^ D.D. 159 

I arrived here^ that without most prompt assistance I could 
not have survived many hours. The doctors took about 
seventy ounces of blood from me before the inflammation 
could be subdued. But God gave His blessing to the means 
which were used^ and I am given back to my family and 
to the church of Christ. I know my dear girls have prayed 
for me^ and I think dear Frank has done the same. 
Many have made intercession in my behalf; and prayer has 
been heard. May this visitation be sanctified to us all ! 

The Lord has been very gracious to me in my extremity. 
I have had those heavenly consolations which have greatly 
sweetened the otherwise bitter cup. You will join with m.e 
in giving thanks to God^ through our Lord Jesus Christy 
in this behalf. How thankful I have been that your 
mother came ! She has nursed m^e as no other person 
could have done. God bless my dear children, is the 
earnest prayer of their affectionate father."'' 

To this letter Mrs. Newton adds, by way of postscript : 
^^Your father is still going on well, and has been a few 
hours out of his room, in the adjoining drawing-room, 
this morning. If we go on as we do, I hope that at 
the beginning of the next week we may sail for England.^" 

In about three weeks from the tim.e of his seizure, he 
returned by sea to Liverpool, and thence to Manchester^ 
where his children and friends received him with thankful- 
ness and joy, and almost as one that had been raised from 
the dead. He soon recovered his strength^ so as to be 
able to attend the English Conference, which this year was 
held in Sheffield^ and was an object of intense interest, 
because of the transactions of the preceding year. The 
Preparatory Committees were very numerously attended^ 
both by Ministers and laymen, who had come from all 

p 2 



160 



LIEE OE THE 



parts of the kingdom to testify their attachment to the 
system of Wesleyan Methodism^ and to pledge themseh'es 
afresh to its support ; and many were the hearty congratu- 
lations which Mr. Newton received on account of his recent 
recovery from dangerous illness^ and the Christian fidelity 
with which he had been enabled to maintain his trust in 
the midst of public clamour and of fierce opposition. 

In one of the Committee Meetings^ at which many 
laymen were present, there was a general call upon Dr. 
Bunting to express his sentiments concerning the disputes 
w^hich had been recently originated by Dr. TV", and his 
party. He obeyed the call, and spoke with admirable 
clearness and force at considerable length. On the sub- 
ject of church-government, he observed, there had long 
been a diversity of judgment among Christians of equal 
intelligence and piety; some of whom preferred Epis- 
copacy ; others, Presbyterianisni ; and others again. Inde- 
pendency. He remarked that, although Christians m.ight 
innocently espouse various forms of church-government, 
there are certain great principles which all churches are 
bound by the New Testament to maintain, and which 
they cannot violate without sin. 

There is, for instance, the law of purity, the law of 
peace, the lavv^ of courtesj^, the law of fidelity. 

Every Christian community is bound to preserve purity 
of doctrine and of manners; to resist aU attempts to 
innovate upon the vital truths of the Gospel, and to exer- 
cise a salutary discipline upon all that walk disorderly, 
whether they be Ministers or private individuals. 

No duty is inculcated in tlie Apostolical Epistles with 
greater frequency and earnestness, than that of cultivating 
and preserving peace in all the churches of the saints. 



EEY. EOBEUT NEWTOX^ D.D. 



161 



Peace is the bond by wliicli tlie unity of the Spirit is 
perpetuated; and it is our Lord^s legacy to all His dis- 
ciples. AYhile Christians are directed^ if it be possible^ 
as much as lieth in them to live peaceably with all 
men^ they are especially charged to be at peace among 
themselves. 

In all their intercourse with each other^ they are 
peremptorily required to treat one another with due 
esteem and respect; to be courteous; to be subject one 
to another ; inasmuch as charity^ which is the sum and 
substance of their religion^ is neither puffed up/^ nor 

behaveth itself unseemly .^^ 

In their collective^ no less than in their individual^ 
capacity^ they are required to show all good fidelity. This 
is one of the things which are of good report^ and by the 
neglect of which the Gospel is often blamed^ to the injury 
of them that are without. 

No man is bound, in the first instance, to embrace the 
"Wesleyan form of Christianity ; but when he has embraced 
it, it is his duty to conform to its order, and transmit 
it unimpaired to others ; or, if he cannot do this, quietly 
to withdraw from his connexion with it. It is unjust 
to Mr. Wesley^s memory, and a breach of public faith, for 
any man to assume the profession of Wesleyan Methodism 
for the purpose of subverting its vital principles and of 
changing its form. It is also an act of flagrant injustice 
to other parties, for a number of men belonging to the 
Methodist body to promote incessant agitation for 
revolutionary purposes, to the grief and annoyance 
of their brethren, who conscientiously deprecate the 
meditated changes, and have connected themselves with 
the system under the distinct impression that it should 

p 3 



163 



LIFE CP THE 



be preserved to them and tlieir posterity entire and 
unaltered. 

To change the constitution of the Conference^ by 
the admission of lay delegates, for instance, as contended 
for by some agitators, would be a violation of Mr. 
"Wesley^s Deed of Declaration, and a breach of that 
trust which he committed to his sons and successors in 
the Gospel. 

Every man is at liberty to form his ov/n theory of 
church-order, and to frame both Conferences and other 
institutions upon whatever model he pleases ; but no man 
has a right to tamper with the plans and arrangements 
which Mr. Wesley introduced into the Connexion estab- 
lished by him, and which have been adopted by hundreds 
of thousands of people, with a reference to their own 
personal salvation and usefulness. 

If a man is dissatisfied with the accommodations which 
the Methodist house affords him, let him quietly retire, 
and provide for himself a residence more suited to his 
taste; but let him not remain to keep up a perpetual 
disturbance in the family, by attempting to force upon 
them pretended improvements, which they believe would 
be ruinous both to themselves and their children. 

Mr. Newton^s brethren in the Ministry, assembled in 
Conference, gave him ample proof of their unabated con- 
fidence, by again electing him as their Secretary ; and 
their unanimity in this and in all their official acts was 
most gratifying, considering the circumstances of the 
Connexion, and the strenuous attempts which had been 
miade through the year to produce among them alienation 
and discord. 

At this Conference Dr. W. appeared^ to prosecute an 



r.ET. TwOBEET NEWTOX^ D.D. 



1G3 



appeal against tlie act of the District-Meetings in placing 
liim under suspension. The right of appeal he had clearly 
forfeited by his subsequent conduct ; yet he was allowed to 
defend himself as well as he was able. But as the course 
which he had pursued was absolutely incapable of any just 
defence^ being alike a violation of those conventional 
rules which^ as a Methodist Preacher^ he had solemnly 
engaged to observe^ and of the Christian law of charity^ 
peace^ and truth; and as he neither expressed regret for 
the past^ nor offered any promise of amendment for the 
future ; he was righteously severed from the body of which 
he had shown himself to be unworthy. 

In the meanwhile Mr. Newton^s brethren^ with great 
cordiality, passed the following resolution, which they also 
recorded in their published Minutes : — The Conference 
take this opportunity of declaring their entire confidence 
in the character of their beloved brother, the Rev. 
Eobert Newton; their unchanged and cordial affection; 
their deep sympathy with him on account of the insults 
and opposition he has met with in the discharge of his 
duties to the Connexion; and their approval of his 
firm but courteous and Christian spirit and conduct on 
the occasion of the late suits ; for which their most 
hearty and unanimous thanks are hereby respectfully 
tendered to him.''^ 

Amidst his duties as the Secretary of the Conference, 
Mr. Newton found time to address the following letter 
to Mrs. and Miss Drummond, of Edinburgh, to whose 
kindness in his late affliction he felt himself deeply 
indebted : — In England we have an adage, ^ Oat of 
sight, out of mind.'' In some cases this may be true ; 
but I am quite sure it is not universally correct. I may 



164 



LIFE OF THE 



safely affirm that no day lias elapsed since I saw yoii^ in 
wliicli you have not been in my mind. And if ^ gratitude 
be the memory of the heart/ then how can I possibly 
forget you? Never^ O never^ ^ while memory holds her 
seat/ Your more than polite attention and kindness to 
me in the time of severe aliliction have made an impres- 
sion of respect and gratitude^ which even the rough hand 
of death shall not be able to eflace from my heart. And 
in these feehngs my dear wife vrill not yield to her 
husband. 

My healthy I thank God, has continued to improve to 
this day; and though I have sacredly kept my engage- 
ments with my medical attendants, I hope very soon to 
resume my work. My cough is entirely gone, and I eat 
and sleep as well as ever. My earnest prayer is, that my 
spiritual health may equally improve, and that I may 
become a holier man, and a more useful Minister of Jesus 
Christ. 

^"^We have had a most delightful Conference. Never 
did I witness such unanimity among the Preachers on 
all great questions. And the rehgious services have 
been signally marked by the presence and blessing 
of God. Again and again have we exclaimed, in the 
language of the venerable Wesley, ^The best of all is, 
God is with us."* 

'^^It is now finally settled that we go to Leeds, where 
we earnestly hope we shall have the pleasure to see Miss 
Drummond. Tell my good friend. Dr. Coldstream, he 
will receive some tracts from London soon. Mrs. Newton 
has been taking care of me every day since I left your 
quiet and hospitable habitation. She is not in the Con- 
ference, or she would send much love and thanks. Mnv 



S^EV. KOBEET NEWTON^ D.D. 163 

tlie blessing of the Triune Jeliovali be your portion for 
ever and ever/^ 

There can be no doubt that the kindness of these two 
ladies, mother and daughter, was a means, in the hand of 
God, of preserving the hfe of this distinguished servant of 
Christ ; and if this record of his labours shall go dovrn to 
posterity, their kind attentions to him shall be had in 
remembrance. But for their promptitude in engaging the 
best medical aid, and their subsequent tenderness and 
assiduity in waiting upon him, the probability is, that his 
life and labours would have ended at that time. 



16a 



LIFE OF THE 



CHAPTER IX. 

At tlie Conference of 1835^ Mr. Newton was appointed 
to tlie Leeds East Circuit ; but before lie proceeded to that 
station lie paid a visit to Boulogne^ for tlie piu'pose of 
preaching to the Methodist congregation in that town, 
fulfilling engagements at various places on his way. 
When he arrived in London^ he wrote to Mrs, Isewton, 
giving an encouraging account both of himself and his 
labours. His letter bears the date of September 19tli, and 
is as follows : — 

^^How can I be sufficiently thankful to the God of my 
mercies, that, after the toils of the past week, I am in 
perfect health ! Indeed each successive day has con- 
tributed to my improvement in this respect ; and, what is 
far better, I trust I have not run in vain, nor laboured in 
vain. Many have listened with deep attention to the 
message of mercy ; and I have reason to hope that it was 
embraced by them. How desirable it is to preach as a 
dying man to dying men ! 

^^The friends of truth and reli2:ion of various denomi- 
nations have come many miles to see me, as one raised 
from the dead. I find that when the news of my affliction 
reached different places, the friends called public prayer- 
meetings in my beliaK. "What am I, that I should be 
regarded after this manner? May my spared life and 
renewed health be devoted unreservedly to Him whose 
I am, and whom I serve ! 

I am happy to find a tranquillized spirit among our 



EEV. HOBERT IS'EWTOX^ D.D. 



1G7 



Societies j and I think the same is observable in the 
country generally : the political fever is subsiding/^ 

On his arrival in Leeds he wrote to Mrs. l^fewton again^ 
under the date of September 26th^ she being still in Man- 
chester : — "Through the abundant goodness of God^ I am 
here safe and sound. Indeed^ I never was better in health, 
though I have preached twice nearly every day, and have 
travelled daily from forty to a hundred miles. Last Yred- 
nesday evening I preached in Boulogne, and arrived in 
Leeds last night before seven o^ clock. The coach from 
London was full in the inside, and I came on the outside 
all the way. The night was very cold, but it seemed to do 
me good. I was prepared for my breakfast at Leicester, 
at half-past five o^ clock in the morning, 

"I had intended to take you by surprise the last 
evening ; but wdien I reflected how short my stay must 
have been, and that the additional expense would be 
about two pounds, I determined on coming to my solitary 
home. 

"I must tell you all about France when I see you, 
I found, however, that I could make myself understood 
at the hotels. I had a most elegant congregation at 
Boulogne. Of course everybody was extremely polite. 

"I found here twenty-six letters to answer. I preach 
at the Old Chapel at seven o^ clock in the morning, and 
then twice in the country .^^ 

At tliis time the town of Leeds was the head of two 
distinct and separate Circuits, to each of which Mr. Newton 
was appointed three years ; so that his family remained 
six years in this place. During this period he spent his 
Sundays in Leeds and its immediate neighbourhood; 
on the week-days he served the Connexion generally. 



168 



LIJFE OF THE 



from tlie Land^s End to the Tweed ; and seldom was lie 
absent from tlie Irish Conference^ where he was always 
welcome^ and his counsel and ministry were highly 
appreciated and eminently useful. 

In one of his voyages to the sister-island he met with 
a lady who^ having learned that he was a Methodist 
Preacher^ requested him to give her his opinion concern- 
ing Mr. Robert Newton^ of whose powers as a public 
speaker^ and extraordinary labours^ she had heard very 
surprising accounts, which she found it difficult to believe. 
He told her that he did happen to know something of 
the man after whom she inquired,, and thought that the 
parties who had given her an account of him had greatly 
over-rated his talents and services. On her arrival in 
Dublin, however^ she learned that this celebrated man 
was appointed to preach there, and determined to go and 
judge for herself. On taking her seat in the chapel, 
she was not a little mortified to find that she had been 
actually requesting Robert Newton^s opinion of his own 
abilities and character. Whether she thought with him 
that these had been over-rated, we know not; but she 
became an ardent admirer of his ministry. 

From the Dublin Conference of 1836 he thus writes 
to Mrs. Newton : July 5th. — We had two overflowing 
congregations on Sunday. There were hundreds of peo- 
ple who could not gain admission into the chapel. The 
collection was upwards of one hundred pounds. Yester- 
day we had a splendid meeting at the Rotunda; the 
Lord Mayor in the chair, in his court- dress. Report 
says that it was the best meeting of the kind that was 
ever held in Ireland. I am, I thank God, in perfect 
health, and am indeed comfortable at Mr. Owen^s. 



REV. EOBEET NEWTOX^ D.D. 



169 



The Irisli are as hospitable as ever. The cards of invi- 
tation are really annoying. I take four meals every day^ 
and might have four times that number. I hope to spend 
the greater part of next week with you; but this is 
between ourselves^ or work will be contrived for me. I 
think I ought to have a little breathing-time before our 
own Conference commences. The Lord bless you all 

To place upon record in detail the labours of Mr. 
Newton during the six years of his appointment to Leeds^ 
is impossible. He put forth all his energies both of mind 
and body in the service of his Lord^ labouring day and 
night to bring sinners to their Saviour^ to edify behevers 
in faith and love^ and to create everywhere a kind and 
generous feeling in behalf of the heathen world ; and both 
in his own Circuity and through the Connexion generally^ 
he met with the respect and esteem to which his zeal and 
self-denial entitled him. There were particular places 
which he was accustomed to visit yearly^ as Derby^ Howden^ 
Armin^ Whitby^ &c. ; he preached from year to year the 
Anniversary sermons in the Lower Abbey-street chapel^ 
Dublin^ when he ^dsited the Irish Conference^ and lived to 
witness the extinction of the debt upon that place of wor- 
ship. He attended^ as a matter of course^ the Anniversary 
of the Wesleyan Missionary Society in London^ the arrange- 
ments of which every one would have felt to be defective 
if they had not included his presence. To him the English 
Conference was no season of relaxation ; for the laborious 
office of Secretary was usually assigned to him^ so that a 
strict attention to its multifarious and important business 
was required of him. His brethren in the Ministry held 
him in high admiration ; but the more they esteemed and 
loved him; the greater was the amount of labour that they 



170 



LIFE OF THE 



exacted at his hands. No man of. indolent habits^ either men- 
tal or physical^ would have submitted to pay the price of Mr. 
Newton^s popularity : but he was borne along by a strong 
tide of joyous and benevolent feeling; he was uninterrupt- 
edly happy in his Saviour ; so that his daily song was^— 

" With Thee conversing, I forget 
All time, and toil, and care ; 
Labour is rest, and pain is sweet. 
If Thou, my God, art here." 

In the Leeds East Circuit he had as his colleagues the 
Rev. Robert Youngs William Barton^ and William Smithy 
who speak of him in terms of unqualified esteem and 
affection. " I found him/' says Mr. Youngs a thorough 
gentleman^, and an eminent Christian. His ministry was 
greatly valued for its richness in evangelic truths and was^ 
as in other places^ exceedingly attractive and edifying."'^ 

^^Two things in him/^ says Mr. Barton^ ^^I may be 
permitted to observe^ both of which were indicative of the 
goodness of his heart. I often felt, when I was his col- 
league, how far he was from assuming to be above the 
Ministers that were associated with him. Of course, we 
were reminded of his superior abilities, and of his great 
popularity, but never by himself. Towards us his spirit 
was always that of a brother. I have invariably felt the 
same upon the Missionary platform. He generally spoke 
when the meeting was considerably advanced, and often 
alluded to the addresses which had been dehvered, but 
never in terms of disparagement, or in a tone of sarcasm, 
so as to give unnecessary pain. His references to pre- 
ceding speakers, though frequently playful, were always 
kind and even encouraging.'^^ 

Mr. Newton was unquestionably a strict disciplinarian,^^ 



EEV. EGBERT NEWTON, D.D. 



171 



says Mr. Smith : but he exacted no conformity to rule of 
which he did not himself set an example. In his dealings 
with his brethren, as the Chairman of the District, and in 
all his intercourse with them, love and kindness were 
prominent; so that while we reverenced his virtues and 
authority, we admired the man, and delighted in his society. 
His powers of conversation, in social parties, were admira- 
ble. He could draw the minds of his friends around him 
to spiritual topics with such simpKcity and ease, that I 
longed to be like him. He stood as upon an eminence , 
and in his company I was often reminded of Cowper''."? 
beautiful lines : — 

* When one who holds communion with the sMes 
Has fiU'd his urn where those pure waters rise, 
And once more mingles with us meaner things, 
'T is even as if an angel shook his wings. 
Immortal fragrance fills the circuit wide, 
That tells us whence his treasures are suppKed.' '* 

A few extracts from letters which he wrote during this 
period of his life wiU further show the temper of his mind, 
and the manner in which he was employed. Thus he 
writes to Mrs. Newton from the Birmingham Conference, 
in 1836, at which his friend Dr. Bunting presided, and he 
sustained the office of Secretary : " We have an increase in 
our Societies of more than ten thousand souls, blessed be 
God ! Never was any former Conference more distinguished 
by the presence of the great Master. Several sons of 
Preaxjhers are among those who were admitted into full 
connexion. One of them told the Conference how he had 
been prayed for by his mother ; how he had almost broken 
her heart ; and at last came, and threw himself at her feet, 
to ask forgiveness. Another said that he resisted con- 

Q 2 



172 



LIFE OF THE 



viction, till at last liis father was suddenly seized witli 
sickness^ of which, he died; and when he came into the 
room where the body of his father lay, and looked at those 
cold and closed lips which had so often been opened in 
prayer for him, and in giving him instruction, he resolved 
to yield himself to God, and had by the help of grace kept 
his resolution. 

"Dr. and Mrs. Fisk, who are here, are very pleasant 
people. He wishes me to visit America. He is the Presi- 
dent of the Wesleyan University at Middletown, Give my 
love to the dear children. God bless you all 

Again, when she was on a visit to Liverpool, he 
writes to her under the date of September 20th, 1836 : 
" I preached in five counties last week, and eleven 
sermons ; and yet I returned as weU as I ever was in my 
life. Thank God! 

"Yesterday the Conference Deputation met the Me- 
moriahsts at Bramley. I was the Chairman of the 
meeting; and am happy to say that they agreed, after 
explanations were given respecting the laws and usages of 
"Wesleyanism, to drop all further agitation, and be hearty 
Methodists. We had a charming Missionary Meeting in 
the evening. 

"To-morrow, the 21st, I preach at Easby; on the 22d, 
at Bishop- Auckland ; 23d, at Bainbridge; on Monday, 
26th, we hold our Quarterly Meeting, when I preach at 
Gomersal at night ; on the 27th, I preach at Misterton ; 
the 28th, at Kirton-Lindsey ; 29th, at Market-Raisen ; 
30th, at Monk -Fry ston; on Monday, October Mj at Shef- 
field ; 4th, at Mabberley ; 5th, at the Brunswick chapel, 
Liverpool, for the infant-school. 

" Tell Frank I hope he finds a place where to read his Bible. 



HEY. EGBERT XEWTON, D.D. 



173 



^^What are all forms and ceremonies wliich leave the 
heart unchanged ? or which go to supersede the necessity 
of an inward change ? If we depart from the simple word 
of God^ we are drifting at sea without helm or pilot. May 
the Pilot of Galilee ever guide our bark^ and we shall make 
the safe and desired port/^ 

AVhen the following note was written^ Miss Eebecca 
Xewton was with her youngest sister at Colton^ near Leeds^ 
and was in a delicate state of healthy having lately suffered 
from an inflammation of the lungs^ from which^ at one time^ 
there was little hope of a permanent recovery. ^Mfter preach- 
ing at the Old Chapel yesterday mornings I rode to Coltoii. 
where I remained with the dear girls till after four o^ clock in 
the afternoon. Eebecca I fancy is not so strong as formerly. 
We had much^ to me most interesting^ conversation on her 
spiritual state. She never spoke so freely to me before on 
that subject. She showed me a paper containing an 
account of her rehgious experience. We wept and rejoiced 
together. I wish that all who are dear to us could have 
heard her conversation with me. 

^^TThat is this world compared with another? What 
will it matter in a very few years^ at most^ whether we 
were rich or poor^ high or low ? The overwhelming con- 
sideration iS; Are we living for eternity? for heaven? 0 
my dear Ehzabeth^ I cannot convey in language the impres- 
sion which I at this moment feel of the insignificancy of 
the world, and the value and importance of hnng, saving 
rehgion! We are far on our journey home. God grant 
that those whom we shall leave behind may follow us 
to heaven ! With love to all, and :vIa:>y prayers for God's 
blessing upon all, I am/^ &:c. 

The subjoined lines, wliich were written at the sam.e 
Q 3 



174 



LIPE OF THE 



time^ were addressed to tlie two daughters at Colton^ and 
especially to Rebecca^ whose health and salvation awakened 
all the yearnings of the fathers heart : — My dear children^ 
let me tell you how much I have rejoiced on account of 
what I yesterday read. Let not my loved Eebecca think 
that mine were tears of sorrow. They were tears of tender- 
ness and joy. Tear not. You are building on the ^ sure 
foundation and try to venture more fully on Christy 
while you calmly, prayerfully, and behe^dngly wait for a 
clearer evidence of your acceptance in the Beloved. ' God 
bless my dear girls V is the earnest prayer of their 
affectionate father."^ 

In the spring of 1837, Mr. Newton again visited Corn- 
wall on a Missionary Deputation ; and there he was again 
welcomed by immense masses of people, among whom he 
was unspeakably happy. The incidents which were con- 
nected with that journey, and the feelings of his heart 
when he once more mingled with the Cornish Methodists, 
are described in the following extract from a letter which 
he wi'ote at Camborne on the 18th of March, and addressed 
to Mrs. Newton : — After a journey of near four hundred 
miles, I am in perfect health, and in the house of a kind 
friend, James Budge, Esq., where I have every comfort 
that I can enjoy while from home. You would hear of the 
large congregation at Huddersfield. I went that night 
mth the Bentleys ; and Mrs. Bentley would get up, and 
walk with me to the toU-gate in Lockwood, to meet the 
coach at eight o^ clock the next morning. 

^^I preached at Bristol on Tuesday right, where the 
gleanings amounted to far more than the sheaves of the 
respected reapers who went before me. 

I then came in the mail-coach to Exeter, and on the 



EEV. ROBEUT NEWTON^ D.D. 



175 



mail to TrurO; nearly two hundred miles^ without stopping 
an hour. 

^^We had an excellent meeting here on Thursday 
nighty and one of still greater interest at Hayle last 
night. I preach here this evening (Saturday)^ and 
then go to Eedrutli and Penzance to-morrow. I shall 
be at Falmouth on the 26th^ and Truro on the 27 th 
and 28th. 

^^It is to me very gratifying to find^ after an absence 
of twelve or fourteen years from this part of Cornwall^ 
spacious chapels erected in nearly all the large towns^ and 
Methodism in a very healthy state. The Societies and 
congregations are grave and thoughtful ; and nothing will 
do but what is serious and soHd. 

I find my visit announced in the Cornish papers^ 
as though I were some mighty personage^ who had 
honoured the county with my presence. But ^who 
am I ? and what is my father^s house ?^ 0 that our 
gracious God may deign to make my labours here 
a blessing to many ! I know you are uniting with me 
in prayer for this. 

The people swarm like bees. In a distance of seven- 
teen square miles^ we have one hundred and thirty chapels. 
Joseph Carne^ Esq.^ was in the chair both nights. He has 
recently been made a County Magistrate. It is pleasing 
to see a man of such science and wealth,, evidently Living 
in a state of high religious enjoyment^ and zealous for 
its extension in the world. 

I am happy to say our collections^ thus far^ have been 
very considerably above those of the last year ; and I doubt 
not that thus they wiU continue to the end.''^ 

In addition to the places which are mentioned in this 



176 LIFE OF THE 

♦ 

letter^ Mr. Newton preached at St. Ives^ Helstone^ St. 
Austell^ Bodmin^ and at Sidmouth and Bristol on his way 
home. 

After affording his assistance at Missionary Anniversaries 
in Birmingham^ Liverpool^ London^ Bristol^ and other 
places of less note^ he crossed the Channel to attend the 
Irish Conference in Cork. Thence he wrote to Mrs. 
ISewton on the 6th of July : ^^Dr. Banting left for Bristol 
on Tuesday, so that I am acting here as President. As 
such, I had to deliver the charge on Tuesday evening, and 
last evening to take the chair at a pubhc meeting ; and, 
as such, I must preach to-night. 

The kindness and hospitality of my Irish friends are 
superabundant. We have had a happy Conference. The 
Lord is with His servants, and the Protestant feeling here 
is gaining ground. Everything I have seen and heard of 
Popery, since I came to this land of saints, has tended to 
increase my horror at the whole system. May God pre- 
serve aU who are dear to us from its wiles, and its masked 
and unmasked wickedness ! 

I had a very good passage from KnoVs Point, (South 
Wales,) to Waterford, one hundred and twelve miles. 
Prom Waterford I came to Clonmel that afternoon, and 
remained at the hotel for the Dublin mail to Cork the 
next morning. It was the market-day at Clonmel ; and I 
had an opportunity of witnessing the practical character of 
Popery in that tow^n. 

I expect to sail for Dublin to-morrow afternoon, at five 
0^ clock, in company with many brethren. 

^^I imagine I see dear Eebecca, and her old pony, 
slowly and with dignity moving along. Would that I 
could walk beside them ! Give their father^s love to 



HET. EGBERT XETTTOX, D.D. 



177 



tlie dear girls and Frank. I hope he is redeeming the 
time/' 

The ErigKsh Conference of 1S37 was held in Leeds^ the 
place of Mr. Xewton^s residence. He again sustained the 
office of Secret arV; and the late Eev. Edmund Grindrod 
was the President^ — a man of sound intellect; and of 
singular prudence and fidelitv. For a few weeks the duties 
of his secretaryship occupied his undivided attention^ and 
con&ned him at home ; but as soon as the Conference con- 
cluded its sittings^ he resumed^ without delay^ his extensive 
journeyingS; and the herculean labours in the pulpit and 
on the ^lissionary platform^ in which; for many yearS; he 
had been engaged; so that; in the course of the next twelve 
monthS; he not only supplied his own Circuit on the Lord^s 
day; but ^usited upwards of one hundred and eighty placeS; 
in comphance with invitations which he had received; for 
the purpose of advancing the work of God both in its home 
and foreign departments ; and this was notliing more than 
a specimen of the labours wliich he voluntarily undertook 
from year to year. 

When the spring arrived; we find him taking a lead- 
ing part in the Anniversaries of the Auxiliary Missionary 
Societies of the Liverpool and Birmingham Districts; and 
at the Annual Meeting of the Parent Society in London ; 
and in the month of June he was again in Dubliu; attend- 
ing the Irish Conference. Writing thence to Mrs. ^N'ewton^ 
he says : TTe had a rough passage to this city. It was a 
dismal night; and we sliipped some tremendous seas ; but 
we arrived safe. TTe had the Pdght Honourable the Lord 
Mayor and Sheriffs; &c.; &c.; in full di'esS; at the Abbey- 
street chapel on Sunday. The collection amounted to the 
sum of one hundred pounds. Notwithstanding the loss to 



178 



LIEE OF THE 



our Societies of two hundred persons by emigration^ we 
have an increase of two hundred and twenty-one members. 
To God^s name be the praise ! 

One of the young men who are to be received into fall 
connexion^ whom I have just examined by the request of 
the President^ is a convert from Popery. 0 that some who 
are dear to us had heard his testimony ! I am in perfect 
health, and quite at home in the house of Mr. Owen.^"' 

The English Conference of 1838 was held in Bristol, and 
wiU ever be memorable because of the arrangements which 
were then made for celebrating the Centenary of Wesleyan 
Methodism, and the results to which those arrangements 
led. In addition to this, it was remarkable for the unani- 
mity of the Ministers who were present, and the spiritual 
influence that attended its public religious services. Mr. 
Newton acted as the Secretary ; and in a letter to his wife 
he says : We have had some most blessed meetings during 
the Conference. Would that you and the children could 
have been here ! We have an increase of more than four 
thousand members in the Societies during the year. 

^^The Stationing Committee have pronounced that I 
must have a man to do my week-day work, while I am 
able to do this extra ser\dce. I am the Lord^s to live, 
to labour, to suffer, to die. May I be more fuUy sanctified 
and made meet for the Master^s use ! Several Preachers^ 
sons are again coming forward into our Ministry.'''' 

The celebration of the Centenary of Wesleyan Metho- 
dism had for some years been a subject of conversation in 
the Body, but a diflBculty had arisen respecting the proper 
time. It is believed that the matter was first recommended 
by Mr. Butterworth, who suggested that Mr. Wesley's 
ordination should be the event celebrated. But to this 



f 

HEV. ROBEET NEWTOIS"; D.D. 179 

it was objected^ that^ according to Mr. Wesley^s own 
account^ he was not converted at the time of his ordina- 
tion; and it would be a strange inconsistency for the 
whole Methodist Connexion^ who insist upon personal 
conversion to God as indispensable in a Minister^ to 
appoint a time for rendering solemn and united thanks 
to God for the ordination of an unconverted man. 
The project was therefore postponed; and it was finally 
determined to celebrate the Centenary of the com- 
mencement of the United Societies, the first of which 
was formed in London in the autumn of the year 1739. 
At that time the Wesleys entered upon an independent 
course of action, having for its object the revival of 
spiritual religion; for up to that period they had, from 
the time at which they found peace with God through 
faith in the sacrifice of Christ, been in some sort connected 
with the Moravian Brethren, through whose instrumentality 
they were led into the way of righteousness. 

During the sittings of the Conference in Bristol a 
Committee was appointed to prepare a general outline 
of the manner in which the Centenary might be the most 
profitably celebrated: the Conference accepted the pro- 
posals of the Committee, and directed that a larger 
Committee should meet in Manchester in the following 
autumn, to fill up the outline, and prepare the details of 
the plan ; directing, at the same time, that, in connexion 
with acts of devotion, pecuniary contributions should be 
presented as thank-offerings for objects of a directly reli- 
gious nature. 

The larger Committee accordingly met in Manchester 
on the 7th of November, 1838, consisting of about two 
hundred and fifty Ministers and gentlemen belonging to 



180 



LIFE OF THE 



the Wesleyan body^ convened from various parts of Eng- 
land and Ireland^ including many of the men who had 
long been distinguished by their zeal^ fidelity^ and disin- 
terestedness in support of the sacred cause. No meeting 
that was ever held in relation to Wesleyan Methodism 
sm^passed this in Christian feeling and pious liberality. 
Aged men spoke with deep emotion of the benefits which 
they and their families had received by means of the 
Methodist doctrine and institutions ; and young men^ just 
rising into life and usefulness^ followed in the same strain ; 
the holy lives and happy deaths of near relations were in 
many instances called to remembrance; till the entire.^ 
assembly seemed to be lost in gratitude^ astonishment^ 
and holy love. In not a few instances^ individuals con- 
fessed that they had risen from humble life to wealth and 
respectability by means of personal conversion; religion 
having awakened the intellect^ stimulated to diligence 
and industry^ and secured for them the public con- 
fidence. 

The state of the country with respect to religion and 
morals before the rise of Methodism ; the manner in which 
the Wesleys were brought to the saving knowledge of 
God^ and thus prepared for the work to which they were 
called ; the self-denial and perseverance with which they 
fulfilled their mission ; their magnanimity and patience in 
the midst of fierce opposition both from the press and from 
lawless mobs ; their acceptance of lay-helpers in the prose- 
cution of their great undertaking; the faithful labourers 
whom it pleased God to raise up as their assistants ; and 
the wonderful success with which their combined efforts 
were crowned, not only in the United Kingdom, but in 
America and in various parts of the heathen world ; — ^these 



IlET. EGBERT XE^VTON^ D.D. 131 

and kindred subjects were adverted to with tears of thank- 
fulness to the God of aU grace^ and every heart expanded 
^nth the sentiments expressed by the Prophet : Praise 
the Lord; proclaim His name, declare His doings among 
the peoDle, make mention that His name is exalted. Sin^ 
unto the Lord ; for He hath done excellent things : this 
is known in aU the earth/^ The meeting in Manchester 
was continued tlirough tliree days, and even then many 
of the persons who composed it were reluctant to separate. 

It was here resolved that central meetings should be 
held in various parts of England and Ireland; and at 
these places the appointed deputations were received with 
a cordiality which was every way suited to the occasion. 
Centenary Meetings were then extended to Circuits, and 
even to the principal Societies ; so that the holy flame 
which was kindled in Manchester spread, in the course 
of the year, from Penzance to Inverness, and from Bandon 
to Belfast, and the extreme north of Ireland. 

At the Manchester meeting the key-note was struck 
as to the character of the contributions that should be 
presented, by a communication from a widow lady, upon 
whom the providence of God had smiled, and whose 
family with herself were greatly benefited by the "Wesleyan 
Ministry and other institutions. She announced her inten- 
tion to contribate a thousand guineas. Others, stimulated 
by so noble an example, promised the same amount ; 
smaller sums, corresponding with the ability of the parties, 
were everywhere freely given. Then the people rejoiced, 
for that they offered wiUingly, because with perfect heart 
they offered willingly to .the Lord.'' The sum of £80,000 
was mentioned as the lowest amount at which the Con- 
nexion should aim in the Centenary contributions. Yet 



9 



182 LT"FE OP THE 

such was the spirit of pious liberality that came upon 
the people^ that about £216^000 were raised ; bj means 
of which most important and seasonable assistance was 
afforded to the Theological Institution^ the Chapel Trusts^ 
the Foreign Missions^ Worn-out Ministers and "Widows^ 
the Schools at Kingswood and Woodhouse-Grove^ the 
day-schools of Methodism; and a donation of £1^000 
was presented out of the Centenary Fund to the British 
and Foreign Bible Society, in furtherance of its sacred 
objects. 

To the minds of persons who were not present at any 
of these Centenary Meetings^ it is impossible to convey 
an adequate apprehension of the holy joy by which they 
were characterized. Considerable sums were given in 
affectionate remembrance of the pious dead ; for the li^dng 
members of the church felt that, by virtue of their union 
with Christ the Head^ they were still one with those that 
sleep in Jesus, and are present wdth Him in the heavenly 
paradise. Young men and maidens, old men and 
children combined, with heart and voice, to praise 
the name of the Lord,^'' feeling that ^^His name alone 
is excellent,^^ and that His glory is above the heavens.'''' 

Many of these meetings were favoured with the pre- 
sence and services of Mr. Newton. No man was better 
prepared to enter into the feelings of the people that were 
present; no man contributed more largely to render the 
meetings instructive and edifying; no man more tho- 
roughly understood the real nature of Wesleyan Metho- 
dism, as a revival of religion in its happiness, vitality, and 
power ; no man was more fully imbued with its spirit, or 
had done more to promote its advancement ; no living 
man had witnessed its effects upon so wide a scale ; and 



REV. EGBERT XEWTON"; D.D. 



183 



therefore no man had a juster title to exult in its triumphs. 
At the Manchester meeting thanks were, with great pro- 
priety, tendered to him for his devout and animating 
counsel; and in the General Eeport of the Centenarj 
Fund, it is truly said, that the celebration was aided 
by the Secretary of the Conference, who attended most 
of the central meetings, and by his warm-hearted appeals 
greatly promoted both the reKgious and pecuniary objects 
of the Centenary/^ 

Towards the close of this memorable Methodistic year, 
Mr. Newton thus speaks of the reception which he met 
with in Scotland, and of his labours there^ in a letter to 
his wdfe : — 

''Edinburgh, JuIt/ Ylth, 1839. 

''I JUST had time to take dinner at Stockton on the 
day I left you, preached at Sunderland in the evening, and 
went that night in a late coach to Newcastle. I came by 
the Jedburgh and Melross hue of road to this city the 
following day, and arrived in time to take part in the 
service with the President that evenins^. 

''On Wednesday we went to Glasgow; and here we 
had an excellent Missionary Meetmg that evening. Tlie 
next morning we had a Centenary breakfast, and at one 
o^ clock I preached in St. George^s church to a large con- 
gregation: Dr. Smith, the Minister, was most kind and 
brotherly. Dr. Forbes spoke at our Missionary Meeting. 
On Friday night I preached in our Tradeston chapel, and 
arrived here on Saturday evening by the boat. AVe had 
two large congregations yesterday. Several Clergymen 
were there in the evening. The Rev. Dr. B. (Episcopal) 
told me he should be happy to see me in his pulpit. 
■ " This evening we hold our Centenary Meeting here ; in 



184. 



LI EE OF THE 



the morning I start by the six clock coach for Glasgow ; 
and then go by steam to Greenock, where I am requested 
to preach in the large parish-church in the evening. What 
a change has taken place in the public mind respecting us ! 
I hope to be in Belfast on Thursday next. May I be 
enabled to make the best use of the extraordinary oppor- 
tunities for doing good, which Providence has given me in 
this country ! My two doctors were hearers last night. 
Dr. John called upon Dr. Coldstream to bring him to the 
kirk to hear their old patient. Mrs. Drummond and Jane 
are very kind, and we talk over old times. We often wish 
you w^ere here. I had great Hberty in St. George^s church."^ 

At the commencement of the Centenary Conference, 
which was held in Liverpool, he writes in a still more 
joyful strain. Addressing his daughters, he says : This 
has been a glorious year to Methodism. Nearly seventeen 
thousand members have been added to our Societies. To 
God^s name be all the praise ! We have also one hundred 
and eighteen candidates for our Ministry. We do not ask, 
as if it were a doubtful matter, ^ Is the Lord among us or 
not ? ^ We have glorious news from the Mission-stations, 
especially from New-Zealand and Africa. In spite of 
infidelity. Popery, and worldly cupidity, the Gospel is doing 
its work, as the power of God unto salvation. 

Probably you have heard that Mr. Lessey is our Presi- 
dent, and that I have again been appointed to the office of 
Secretary. 

We are likely to have a happy Conference. The sen- 
timents of the brethren made a most triumphant outburst 
on the education question, when thanks were given to the 
President and Secretary of the past year. 



EEV. r.OBERT NETVTOX, D.D. 185 

I am more and more convinced that Divine Providence 
designs Wesleyan Methodism to be the great moral break- 
water^ right and left^ against the inundations of infidehtv^ 
Socinianism^ superstition^ and false religion. May we be 
faithful ! 

^^Vie are to have a high day on Monday next. The 
Ex-President will dehver his Centenary sermon. God 
bless you all 

The Centenary Conference was in full accordance with 
these anticipations. It was very numerously attended both 
by Ministers and laymen^ from all parts of the kingdom^ 
and even from Ireland^ and was characterized throughout 
by harmony and concord^ and by a spirit of humble and 
earnest devotion. 



186 



LIPE OE THE 



CHAPTER X. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States 
of America is divided into many distinct Conferences, 
which meet annually^ under the presidency of the Bishops ; 
and, in addition to these, there is a General Conference, 
which is held every fourth year, and consists of delegates, 
who are sent from all the other Conferences. Between 
that General Conference and the British Conference a 
fraternal intercourse is maintained by means of Eepresen- 
tatives, who are alternately sent from one to the other. 

At the Centenary Conference, which was held in Liver- 
pool in the year 1839, it was requisite that the Ministers 
then assembled should select one of their niunber to repre- 
sent them to their American brethren. Every eye was, of 
course, directed to Mr. Newton, as the most suitable man 
to undertake this service. His Christian and manly bearing, 
his self-possession, his pulpit-talents, and especially the 
evangehcal character of his preaching, recommended him 
as eminently qualified for the task ; and hence the Con- 
ference requested him, if he found it practicable, to be the 
bearer of their salutations to their Transatlantic brethren. 

When this proposal was first made, he dechned to 
give a direct answer. There was in him a willingness to 
comply with the wishes of the Conference ; but having for 
so many years, and to so great an extent, taxed the forbear- 
ance of his wife by frequent absence from home, he felt 
that he ought not to undertake this mission unless she 
were a consenting party. Her answer to his letter, in 
which he had stated the project, is worthy of her high 



EEV. EOBEE.T ^'EWTOX^ D.D. 



1S7 



character, and in perfect consistency with that unselfish 
course which she had invariably pursued from the time of 
her marriage. She doubtless thought that, being blessed 
with such a husband, she ought to share in the incon- 
venience which was unavoidably connected with, his popu- 
larity. If her sacrifices were great, so were her privileges. 
It is not every woman that has the honour of being the 
wife of a Eobert J^^ewton. Her answer is as follows : — 
The vows of the Lord, you know, are upon me ; and I 
think I have never interfered with anything that appeared 
to be your duty to the church. If therefore it is the 
opinion of your brethren, that you would be most in your 
providential way in going to America, I will make no 
objection, whatever I may feel. Oui' God can and I trust 
will preserve you. But when they take into considera- 
tion the fact, that vour services as a be2:^ar would be lost 
during the two months that you would be upon the sea, 
and how much you are and are still likely to be absent from 
your family, and the loss of a good father^s presence and 
example to his children, they wiU perhaps think that you 
may be as useful, if you be allowed to remain in your own 
country, where, should you be unwell, or should those who 
are dear to you be so, a few hours or days might bring us 
together.''^ 

With this permission, he consented to cross the Atlantic 
Ocean as a messenger of the churches,^^ sent to convey 
to the Methodists of America the gi-eetings of their English 
brethren thus recognising the principle that the Wesleyan 
Methodists are one tliroughout the world. The American 
General Conference was to be held in the month of May 
following : it was therefore necessary that he should embark 
early in the spring; and with a reference to this under- 



188 



LIFE OF THE 



takings he made his arrangements during the intervening 
months^ taking leave of his numerous friends in different 
parts of the country, requesting an interest in their prayers, 
and expressing a hope that they should meet again at their 
rehgious Anniversaries with a joy equal to that which they 
had long been accustomed to feel. 

A deep sympathy in his behalf was awakened, and many 
trembled at the thought, that a life of such transcendent 
value should be exposed to the perils of a long voyage. 
One incident may be mentioned as illustrative of the affec- 
tion with which he was regarded. He attended a Mis- 
sionary Meeting at Bridlington- quay, in company with Mr. 
WiUiam Dawson, — a man of kindred spirit, of great energy 
and versatility of genius, but occasionally eccentric in his 
manner. In the course of his speech Mr. Dawson referred 
to his friend Newton^s anticipated departure from England ; 
and then, addressing the Chairman, he said, "By your 
leave. Sir, we will sing a verse.''^ Then, walking to Mr. 
Newton, who was with him on the platform, he took hold 
of the breast of Mr. Newton^s coat, and gave out, — 

" Tlirough all the dianging scenes of life. 
Thy servant, Lord, defend ; 
And Oj his life of mercies crown 
With a triumphant end 1 " 

The entire congregation rose simultaneously, and sang the 
lines with heart and voice; and the Representative to 
America stood in mute astonishment, overpowered with the 
unexpected burst of kind and generous feeling. His friend 
Dawson was no poet, but he contrived to make a tolerable 
stanza by placing in juxta-posidon the lines of different 
hymns ; and the stanza which was thus formed was a means 
of expressing the pious and benevolent sentiments of a 



HEV. EOBEKT XETVTOy^ D.D. 



1S9 



CliristiaiL assembly in reference to a Minister Tvhom they 
esteemed and loved^ and whose services had often excited 
their joy and admiration. 

In the prospect of his departure from England the godly 
Mr. Entwisle wrote a concise and characteristic letter^ of 
which the following is a copy : — ^^I trust the Lord will be 
with you on your voyage across the Atlantic^ and that He 
will open to you a great door and effectual in the United 
States. You will have our prayers in these parts^ and the 
prayers of thousands more. May hundreds of sinners have 
to date the commencement of their everlasting happiness 
from the hour when you shall preach to them Jesus Christy 
and Him crucified 

When it was determined that Mr. Xewton should visit 
America^ several of his friends proposed to accompany 
him, partly for their own gratification, and partly as a 
mark of respect for him; but when the hour of his 
embarkation came, not one of them was forthcoming but 
the faithful Joseph Souter, Esq., of Castle-Donington. 
The vessel that v\'as to convey him across the Atlantic, 
bore the name of ^^The United States it was commanded 
by Captain Britton, and sailed from the port of Liverpool 
on the morning of April 1st. "When Mr. and Mrs. Newton 
arrived, they found IVIr. Souter on board, which to them 
was an occasion of great thankfulness ; for she especially 
felt that if any evil should befall her husband, either by 
land or by water, he would have a friend on whose kind- 
ness, judgment, and fidelity, the utmost reliance might be 
placed. 

AYhen the moment of separation came, Mrs. jN'ewton 
displayed quite as much fortitude as her husband. She 
remained on shore, surrounded by relations and friends; 



190 



LIFE OF THE 



and he remained on the deck of the ship^ with his eyes 
fixed upon them^ until they faded from his sights and the 
waving of their handkerchiefs was no longer visible. He 
then observed to Mr. Souter^ that the friends .who were 
connected with the Oxford-place chapel in Leeds^ to whom 
he sustained the pastoral relation^ had agreed to meet at 
that hour for the purpose of united prayer^ that he might 
have a prosperous voyage by the will of God ; and that he 
would now retire into his berth to unite his supplications 
with theirs. At this time the ship was drawn by a steamer^ 
the wind being directly opposed to them. When he had 
ended his devotions^ and again appeared among his fellow- 
voyagers^ the wind had veered rounds so as to be directly 
in their favour^ and the steam-vessel was no longer needed. 
One of the sailors exclaimed^ ^^I am sure we have some 
lucky person on board j''^ and some of the company invited 
Mr. Newton^s attention to the favourable change in the 
wind ; when he answered^ Gentlemen,, there is an intimate 
connexion between prayer and Providence.''^ 

When he took leave of his family, he informed them, 
that he intended, in all his journeyings, during his 
absence, to make the One Hundred and Twenty-first 
Psalm the subject of his special meditation, for the pur- 
pose of sustaining his trust in the providential care of the 
Almighty ; and he recommended them, in this respect, 
to follow his example, till they should see him again. 

The cabin-passengers consisted of a Jew, a Eomanist, 
four or five English people, three Scotch, four Irish, 
and one American; the steerage-passengers, being mostly 
emigrants, were more than two hundred; and these with 
the Captain and seamen amounted to two hundred and 
fifty-five souls. Mr. Newton felt his responsibility with 



191 



respect to these people^ seeing that for a time they Trere all 
placed within the range of his influence. To the Captain 
he offered his services as ChapLiin during the voyage^ and 
they vreve readily accepted; so that he conducted family- 
prayer every night and morning ; and on the Sabbath- 
day he preached, first in the cabin^, and then in the 
other part of the vessel to the steerage-passengers. All 
attended family-worship but the Jew and the Eomanist ; 
yet the latter of these conscientious gentlemen was ready 
to gamble with any persons who had the folly to risk 
their money and try their skill against him. Often did 
Mr. Newton engage his fellow-voyagers in conversa- 
tion on the nature of true rehgion^ and the immense 
benefits that are connected with it; at the same time 
pointing out the vanity of worldly amusements and the 
e\dls of gambling, in which he found that some of 
them indulged when he had retired to rest in the 
evening. 

During the early part of the voyage his friend Souter 
suffered dreadfully from sickness; and at one time was 
so reduced that serious apprehensions were entertained 
as to whether or not he could recover. The health of 
Mr. Newton was invariably good. He was as free from 
ailments even in a storm at sea, as he was upon the roof 
of a stage-coach. Yet he did not escape every kind of 
disaster. One morning he rose early ; the wind was very 
high, and the sea in a state of terribly sublime 
agitation a sudden squall carried away the top-gallant 
mast, and, as the deck where he stood was wet and 
sHppery, he fell with great force upon his right shoulder, 
dislocated the second finger of his right hand, and so 
hurt his shoulder, that he thought it also was out of joint. 



192 



LIFE OF THE 



He pulled the bone of his finger again into its socket 
with his left hand; and then called to the Captain^ 
requesting him to take hold of his right hand and pull, 
so as to reduce the shoulder. But this was unnecessary ; 
for the shoulder, there is reason to believe, had sustained 
no injury beyond that of a severe bruise, or a wrench. 
Yet the pain continued for several months. A passenger 
who witnessed the accident, and observed the calm self- 
possession of the sufferer, — acting the part of a surgeon 
with respect, to the dislocated finger, and then giving 
directions concerning his shoulder, at the same time 
that the pain in both places was severe, — exclaimed, ^^I 
never saw such nerves before V' 

Mr. Newton^s ministry was successful by sea as well 
as by land. He earnestly desired and prayed that he 
might be a means of spiritual benefit to the people who 
sailed with him in the ship ; and to some extent God 
gave him the desire of his heart. As they approached 
the American coast, ^ the emigrants of course looked 
forward with feehngs of hope to the land where they 
expected to spend the residue of their days. Yet there 
was among them one exception, — a man whose moral 
feehngs had been blunted by infidel speculations, and wlio 
had left his wife and children in a state of destitution; 
intending to provide for himself in America, and leave 
them to starve or to be supported by charity. Under Mr. 
Newton^s impressive sermons this unhappy wanderer was 
convinced of the truth, and therefore of his own guilt and 
danger, and resolved, immediately on his arrival at New- 
York, to return to his family by the earhest conveyance. 
According to the statement of Mr. Souter, the penitent 
man fulfilled his purpose, became a good husband and 



REV. EGBERT NETTTON^ D.D. 



193 



father^ joined the Methodist Society^ and became a new 
man in Christ Jesus. 

As the ship approached the end of her voyage^ a pilot 
came on boards unlike a British tar^ wearing a drab coat 
and trousers. He was a shrewd fellow^ but confessed that 
he had not been in any place of worship during the last 
fourteen years. Taking a silver coin out of his pockety he 
said to Mr. Newton^ This is the God that we worship in 
America. This is the fellow, Sir."'^ Yet he promised to 
hear Mr. Newton preach in New- York, if it were possible. 

Our travellers landed a little after mid- day, on Sunday, 
April 26th, and immediately engaged a coach to convey 
them to the house of Erancis Hall, Esq., in Hudson-street, 
where they were most cordially and hospitably received. 
The arrival of Mr. Newton was soon noised abroad in 
New-York, and friends came in considerable numbers to 
welcome him, and to invite him to preach in the evening. 
To this proposal he was not disinclined, having for many 
years been accustomed to preach almost every day, and 
during the last month having preached only on the 
Sabbath. Short as the notice was, the church was 
crowded in every part; and a gentleman, who was said 
• to sustain a high office in the city, not being able to 
obtain an entrance at the door, procured a ladder, and 
entered through one of the windows. Mr. Souter, being 
the companion of Mr. Newton, was allowed to sit within 
the communion-rails, — an honour wiiich he found is not 
conceded to laymen in the American churches ; and this 
gave him an opportunity of observing the effect of the 
sermon upon the congregation. Of this advantage he 
afterwards availed himself whenever he could. In this 
case, he states that he never before saw a congregation 

s 

j 



194 



LIFE OF THE 



present sucli unmistakable signs of pleasure. The subject 
of the sermon was the happiness which results from a 
personal faith in Christy and love to Him^ as a Saviour 
from sin. At one time the people seemed to be scarcely 
able to refrain from clapping their hands ; and^ in going 
out of the churchy he heard a gentleman say, ^^This is 
beyond grand.''^ The text was, Whom having not seen, 
ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet 
believing, ye rejoice w^ith joy unspeakable and full of 
glory .^^ (1 Peter i. 8,) Having just left the ship, he 
preached in his black stock ; but some of the Americans 
said that, although his appearance just then was not 
very clerical, he was a gentleman of no ordinary talent, 
who well understood his business. 

INText day in the evening an important Missionary 
Meeting was held in the Green-street church, which was 
densely crowded. When Mr. ]Srewton''s name v/as 
announced, the entire assembly rose from their seats, 
as a mark of respect for the distinguished stranger. 
This for a time almost overpowered him; but he soon 
recovered himself, and spoke for about two hours ; and 
several times, in the course of his address, the crowd 
could not be restrained from clapping their hands, — a 
practice which had not been known in that place on any 
previous occasion. An aged man from the country wiped 
the tears from his eyes with the sleeve of his coat^ saying 
to the person who sat next to him, " We shall have no 
powdery ware now, I guess. Mr. INTewton and his 
travelling companion, with their families, were made life- 
members of the Missionary Society, some persons paying 
a handsome sum to secure for them this honour. The 
collection at the meeting amounted to upwards of a 



KEY. EGBERT NEWTON^ D.D. 



193 



thousand dollars^ being the largest that was ever made in 
behalf of the Society. 

On the following day ]\Ir. Jv'ewton visited one of the 
colleges^ some parts of the city^ and the Methodist book- 
establishment^ which is of large extent^ and of inestimable 
influence and utility^ sending forth from month to month 
a vast amount of Christian literature through the various 
States of the Union ; and in the evening he preached to 
another overflo^g congregation in the Wesley church, 
where he made a successful appeal in behalf of the 
Society for the Eelief of Aged Ministers^ Widows, and 
Orphans. Many Ministers and College Professors were 
present. The sermon produced a deep impression upon 
the people ; and one man, as the congregation retired, 
said^ Brother Hall, if Mr. Newton will come and take 
a church in T*v^ew-York, we will work our finger-nails o£l 
to support him and his family.''^ 

With this ser\ice he concluded his labours in T\ew- 
York for the present; and the Editor of one of the 
newspapers said : If we may judge from the specimen 
given us on this occasion, the prominent traits of Mr. 
Newton^s oratory are a remarkable simplicity of manner^ 
and a remarkable aptness in explaining and illustrating 
the subject in hand. There was nothing of what might 
be called rhetorical display, no far-fetched metaphors^ 
no straining and swelling after big words and flowery 
expressions ; none of that clap-trap eloquence, which, 
although it may set a man a crying, or laughing, or 
shouting, makes him feel afterward as if he had been 
imposed upon. It was the simplicity of nature, and the 
eloquence of truth, which brought tears to the eye, and 
carried conviction to the heart. We were deKghted, not 

s 2 



196 



LIEE OF THE 



with the man^ but with the sermon. "We are glad that 
Mr. Newton has come among us. He will teach us^ 
what in this country we have need to learn^ that true 
eloquence does not consist^ as many suppose^ in bom- 
bastical flourish and rhetorical flowers^ but in strong 
ideas^ clothed in simple language^ and delivered in a 
natural manner.'''' In another of the New-York papers, 
it is stated that his preaching produced a stronger effect 
than that of any other man since the days of Whitefield ; 
and that, during his stay, in the places that he visited 
the theatres would all be deserted. 

Early in the morning of Wednesday, April 29th, Mr. 
Newton, accompanied by his faithful friend, and by about 
three hundred Ministers, left New- York for Philadelphia., 
on his way to Baltimore, where the General Conference 
was to be held; travelling partly by water, and partly 
by railway. At Philadelphia he was received, in the 
kindest possible manner, by Mr. Carrijans, and found 
that notice had been given that he would preach that 
evening. The rain was very heavy ; but the church was 
crowded almost to suffocation. Before the service com- 
menced, Mr. Souter was introduced wdthin the communion- 
rails, in front of the pulpit, and was mistaken by the 
immense assembly for Mr. Newton. The choir had pre- 
pared an anthem, which they intended to sing in honour 
of the distinguished stranger, and as a welcome to their 
city. This they sang in their best style, the congrega- 
tion joining as well as they were able, and all looking 
at Mr. Souter ; who felt that he was receiving the respect 
which did not belong to him, and which the people did 
not intend to pay him; they probably wondering that 
he should betray any signs of uneasiness. "When the 



EEV. EOBEET ^'ETTTOX; B.D. 



197 



antliem was finislied^ Mr. ^Sewton entered the cliiu^li^ 
and ascended the pnlpit, and the choristers and people 
perceived that they had mistaken their man; but it was 
too late to correct the error. TThen the service was 
ended^ and the case was stated to Mr. Xewton^ he was 
highly amused^ and said to his friend Souter^ ^^Tou have 
taken the sliine off me.''"' In Philadelphia he was some- 
what surprised to find himself addressed both by men 
and women^ and even by elegant young ladies^ as Bro- 
ther Xewion;^^ a title which he found to be usually 
given to Ministers. 

In the city of Philadelphia he stood upon the site 
which was consecrated by the preaching of Mr. TThitefield 
just one hundred years before ; and in his journal he 
pertinently observes : It is remarkable that not an 
orphan-house^ a churchy or a society^ founded by Yvliite- 
field^ remains ; while the TTesleyans number between seven 
and eight hundred thousand members^ and upwards of 
tliree thousand Ministers. But TThitefield did not insti- 
tute class-meetings^ and Wesley did. There are now 
seventeen Wesleyan churches in this city^ with two 
hundred thousand inhabitants."^ 

Having spent the night in Philadelphia^ he went on 
board a steamer the next morning for Baltimore; sailing 
along the Delaware^ with a vast number of passengers^ 
among whom was the Governor of Ohio^ who conversed 
in a free and affable manner^ and confessed that he also 
belonged to the great Wesleyan family. It was observed 
that the passengers of both sexes were aU engaged in 
reading newspapers^ which are here sold at a cheap rate. 

After an agreeable journey^ prosecuted partly by land^ 
and partly by water^ he arrived safely at Baltimore early 

s 3 



198 



LIFE OP THE 



in tlie afternoon. Two of tlie Bishops met liim at liis 
landing ; a carriage was waiting for liim ; and he soon 
found liimself in the honse of Samuel Harden^ Esq.^ 
where he was received vrith. every mark of respect and 
cordiality. The city was full of strangers^ many of whom 
had come on account of the Conference; and others to 
attend a political convention^ which consisted of about 
twenty-five thousand people^ from all parts of the Union. 

On the 1st of May the General Conference was opened^ 
consisting of the six Bishops of the Churchy and dele- 
gates from the twenty-eight Conferences scattered through 
the various States. Bishop Eoberts read a chapter of 
Holy Scripture, and Bishop Hedding engaged in prayer. 
The simplicity and unaffected piety of these venerable men 
seemed to carry Mr. jSTewton back to the second century 
of the Christian churchy when godliness prevailed in all 
its purity and fervour, and the Pastors of the flock were 
dead to the world and all its pomp. Bishop Eoberts, 
being the senior Bishop, presided on the first day. He 
desired Mr. Kewton to come and sit by him, and then 
in the kindest manner introduced him to the Conference, 
all the members risicg up to welcome him. He made 
a short speech, reserving his official address for a future 
opportunity, when the letter from the British Conference 
should be read. A vote was then passed, authorizing 
him to sit in the Conference, and to vote on all ques- 
tions that might arise. A chair and a table for his use 
were then placed at the right hand of the Bishops, and 
the Conference requested him to preach as often as 
possible during his stay in the city. 

Mr. Souter remarked that the Ministers generally pre- 
sented a very respectable appearance, were more fashionably 



EEY. ROBEET XEWTON^ D.D. 



199 



dressed tlian their brethren in England usnally are^ and 
were highly intelligent. In the progress of the Conference 
Mr. Newton was impressed with the fact^ that the time was 
mainly occupied by the speeches of young men^ Ministers 
of age and experience being scarcely able to obtain a 
hearing. Ayailing himself therefore of a fayourable oppor- 
tunity^ he spoke of the respect which is due to age^ and 
especially to aged Ministers^ who haye been long familiar 
with the work of God_, and whose range of obseryation has 
been widely extended. These are the men^ he obseryed^ 
who are eminently qualified to giye adyice in ecclesiastical 
affairs ; for their counsels are not speculatiye,, but practical. 
The Bishops shed tears under this seasonable address^ and 
no one attempted any reply. 

At the time of Mr. Xewton^s yisit^ the city of Baltimore 
contained about one hundred thousand inhabitants^ eleyen 
thousand of whom belonged to the ^lethodist body^ and 
occupied sixteen churches. In one of the largest of these 
Mr. Xewton was appointed to preach at eleyen o^clock in 
the morning of Sunday^ May 3d ; but before nine o^clock^ 
while he was taking his breakfast^ a messenger arriyed^ 
informing him that the church and street were full of 
people, and that some thousands had gone away. He 
therefore hastened to the place, began the seryice before 
ten 0^ clock, and afterwards assisted in the administration 
of the Lord^s supper ; ha\TQg engaged, in compliance with 
the request of the crowds who could not gain admission 
into the church, to preach in the open air at fiye o'' clock in 
the eyeniug. 

In the mean time, application was made to Judge Bruce 
for his permission that Mr. jSTewton should preach in 
Mommient-square, which it was estimated wordd contain 



200 



LIFE OE THE 



about fifteen thousand people. Leave was granted^ and 
a gentleman of the Presbyterian denomination offered a 
sort of balcony in front of his house as a standing-place for 
the Preacher. About two-thirds of the square were filled^ 
and the windows of the houses crowded with hearers. 
Bishop Hedding and Dr. Bangs stood with him^ one on 
the right hand^ and the other on his left. Several mem- 
bers of the Government were there^ among whom were 
Clay and Webster ; and^ as the pohtical convention was to 
be held the next day^, there were persons present from 
every State of the Union. It was thought that from ten 
to twelve thousand persons heard the sermon ; for his voice 
extended to the limits of the crowds and was sustained 
without failure to tlie end of the service. The vast assem- 
blage behaved with the strictest decorum. The text was^ 
This is a faithful sayings and worthy of all acceptation^ 
that Christ Jesu.s came into the world to save sinners.^^ 
(1 Tim. i. 15.) Mr. Souter says^ that the singing was 
powerful and harmonious; that the people listened with 
profound attention to the discourse^ which seemed to rise 
in energy as the Preacher advanced ; and that its telling 
effect was seen in the tears which rolled down the cheeks 
of multitudes. Under that sermon three infidels were 
convinced of the truths and turned to Christ in penitence 
and faith; two of whom became Ministers in the Metho- 
dist Churchy and the third an upright and useful member 
in Baltimore. One of these men^ who had obtained some 
notoriety as an unbeliever^ was observed to listen with 
earnest attention to the sermon^ and at the conclusion of 
the last prayer to utter a fervent ^^Amen."'^ When the 
service had concluded^ many of the people still lingered^ 
apparently unwilling to leave the spot ; thus exemplifying 



EEV. HOBEET XEWTON^ D.D. 



201 



the feelinc^ which Milton has ascribed to the father of the 
human race^ after he had Ustened to the discourse of a 
heavenly messenger : — 

" The angel ended, and in Adam's ear 
So cliarming left his voice, that lie awMle 
Thought him still speaking, still stood fix'd to hear." 

"When the Conference assembled the next mornings the 
entire body united in a request that ]\Ir. Wewton would 
preach to them on the following Wednesday^ at eleven 
clock; and at the same time he received a pressing 
imdtation from the Speaker of the House of Eepresenta- 
tives, to preach in their Grand Hall in the forenoon of the 
next Sabbath-day. The Bishops told him that he must 
comply. In the prospect of two such ser^dces^ coming close 
together^ his prayer was, " Be Thou my helper, 0 Lord ! 

On the next day the letter from the British Conference 
was read, and Mr. K'ewton, as the Eepresentative of that 
body, addressed the American brethren in a speech of about 
an hour^s length. Among other subjects of interest and 
importance, he spoke freely concerning the evil of slavery, 
which is, in fact, the crying sin and the plague-spot of 
America. On this subject he declared that there is but 
one opinion in the English and Irish Conferences; and 
that he could in this respect answer for the entire Methodist 
Connexion in Great Britain. They aU deplore it as a sore 
evil, which ought to be forthwith abolished. At the same 
time they sympathize with their American brethren, in the 
difficult and delicate circumstances in which they are placed 
with regard to the question of emancipation ; and hope that 
the American Conference will re-affirm their own testimony 
in. their Minutes, and unite with their feUow-citizens in 



20:2 



LIFE OP THE 



such measures as are likely to bring this sin to a speedy 
termination. The address was heard with deep attention^ 
and was followed by a unanimous request that it might be 
printed. 

The next mornings the people began to assemble 
long before the time appointed for the public service. 
Ministers of various denominations were present^ and the 
church was densely crowded. Mr. Newton read as his 
text^ in his own peculiar manner^ ^^The Lord God of 
your fathers make you a thousand times so many more 
as ye are^ and bless you^ as He hath promised ! 
(Deut. i. 11.) The effect of his sermon was most extra- 
ordinary. Tor a time the utmost stillness prevailed in 
the congregation ; and as the discourse was addressed 
particularly to the Ministers who formed the Conference^ 
it might be expected that they would control their feelings, 
however strongly they might be excited. But, ere long, 
both they and the rest of the congregation were carried 
beyond all ordinary bounds. Their eyes were suffused 
with tears; they sobbed and wept aloud: they shouted 
for joy ; they clapped their hands ; while the Preacher, in 
strains the most eloquent and impressive, expatiated upon 
the great things which the Lord had done both for them 
and their fathers, and the innumerable and endless benefits 
and blessings that were secured to them by the promises 
of Him whose goodness and truth can never fail. When 
the Conference re-assembled, a vote of thanks for the 
sermon was passed unanimously, with an earnest request 
for its publication. In reference to this entire service, 
Mr. Newton remarks in his journal, The Lord was 
specially present. Blessed be His holy name ! 

The next morning, at eleven o^ clock, he preached in the 



REV. ROBERT NEWTOX^ D.D. 



203 



Exeter-street churchy to a large and interesting audience^ 
^Yhere lie had reason to believe many received spiritual 
benefit. 

In the evening of May 8th^ he preached in the Skarpe- 
street chnrch^ to the black and coloured people^ who are 
not allowed to mingle with the whites in their worshipping 
assemblies ; thus introducing into the church of Clirist the 
odious distinction of caste^ in defiance both of the letter 
and spirit of the New Testament. His text was^ ''^Come 
unto Me^ all ye that labour and are heavy laden^ and 
I will give you rest.^^ (Matt. xi. 28.) Mr. Souter says^ 
it was evident that these despised people^ many of whom 
vrere slaves^ knew how to appreciate a good sermon quite 
as well as their white brethren. A striking thought^ or a 
beautiful illustration^ called forth such bursts of feeling 
among tliem^ that sometimes the Preacher could scarcely 
hear his ovm voice. The Class-Leaders were mixed with 
the assembly to preserve silence ; and a black Preacher^ 
a slave^ stood on the pulpit-stairs for the same purpose. 
When the people wept aloud^ or became otherwise excited^ 
he exclaimed^ You must be stilly and hear de good word. 
I could shout as well as any of you then placing his 
hand upon his breast^ he added^ De shout is here ; but 
we must be still.'''' As soon as the sermon was ended^ 
a large sable choir arose in the front gallery^ with 
their music-books in hand^ and sang a beautiful anthem^ 
appropriate to the discourse just delivered^ which they 
executed in good style. When Mr. Newton afterwards 
met any of these people in the city^ they never failed to 
smile^ and give him a respectful nod ; recognising him as 
a friend^ while he regarded them as men^ and brethren in 
Christ. 



204 



LIPE OF THE 



On Saturday^ May 9tli^ Mr. Newton^ accompanied by 
his friend Souter^ left Baltimore for Washington, for the 
purpose of preaching before the American Congress the 
next morning. He was entertained at the house of Dr. 
Sewell^ a determined teetotaller, where he could get no 
black tea; and having been prevailed upon to take one 
or two cups of green, he spent a sleepless night, — no 
desirable preparation for the important service to which 
he was pledged. The morning was very rainy ; yet the 
Grand Hall was full of people ; and many, who could not 
obtain admission, remained in the entries, and several 
hundreds stood all the time. It w^as said that most of the 
members of the two Houses of the National Legislature 
were there. Mr. Newton took his stand directly before 
the Speaker^s chair, and John Quincy Adams, the Ex- 
President, sat near him. He read as his text, Yea 
doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excel- 
lency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord/^ 
(Phil. iii. 8.) Mr. Souter says : I never Vvitnessed more 
marked attention than that wliich was paid by this vast 
assembly. To me it was most delightful to see my 
eloquent and popular friend deliver one of his best 
sermons, with all freedom and energy, in the American 
House of Representatives. The principal singers in the 
neighbourhood were present; and I do not remember to 
have ever heard more delightful melody ; so that the entire 
service was deeply impressive.^^ Mr. Newton confesses 
that he had great liberty in the delivery of his evan- 
gelical message before his large and interesting auditory. 
On the Saturday evening he had heard a debate among the 
Senators on the subject of public education, to which he 
made a graceful allusion in his sermon ; declaring his 



EEV. EOBEET XET^TOX, D.D. 



205 



conviction^ tliat all ecliicational scliemes are essentially 
defective^ unless tliey include a knowledge of Christy and 
of His Gospel. A TTasliington newspaper said^ in the 
course of tlie same week^ ^^Tlie discourse was one of tlie 
most powerful and eloquent pulpit-addresses we ever 
remember to have heard/^ After the sermon he *was 
introduced to Adams^ and to many of the Representatives 
and Senators. In the afternoon he went by a steam- 
boat to Alexandria^ where he had engaged to preach a 
Missionary sermon. Here he was also attended by a 
large assembly^ which, was pervaded by an eminently 
devout feeling. 

The next morning he returned to "Washington^ where 
he waited upon Tan Bui'en^ the President of the United 
States^ who received him with marked kindness^ and 
expressed his regret tliat^ in consecpuence of urgent family 
circumstances^ he had been unable to hear him on the 
previous morning; but added^ as a compliment to Mr. 
Newton^ ^'1 understand that^ if I had attended the ser- 
\nce^ I should not have been able to obtain a seat.'' Mr. 
Newton then paid a short visit to the Congress in ses- 
sion^ where^ as a mark of respect^ he was invited to sit 
among the Members^ his friends who accompanied liim 
being accommodated with seats in the gallery. 

After remaining at "Washington aAvliile^ he returned to 
Baltimore^ a distance of forty miles^ and attended a Mis- 
sionary Meeting in the evening. Here he received ano-^ 
ther mark of respect^ which to him must have been 
highly gratifying. The six Bishops^ who were all present^ 
Eoberts^ Hedding, Soule^ Andrews^ Waugh, and Morris^ 
contributed the requisite sum of money to constitute 
him a member of the Missionary Society for life ; and 

T 



206 



LIFE OF THE 



other persons in tlie meeting did the same, to secure 
this honour for his two sons at home. 

On the folloAving morning, Mr. Newton, having engaged 
to attend the meeting of the Bible Society in New- York, 
left Baltimore for that city, taking Philadelphia in his 
way, where he expected to attend a Missionary Meeting ; 
but on his arrival he found that, through some mistake, 
the requisite information had not been given to the public : 
he therefore preached in one of the churches, and was 
grateful to learn that, under the sermon which he deh- 
vered there on his way to the Conference, a young mer- 
chant and his wife w^re both convinced of sin, had 
joined the Methodist Church ; and that one of them had 
obtained peace with God through faith in the blood of 
the Cross. 

At New- York he walked in procession from the Ame- 
rican Bible Society^s house, to a large building called 
the Tabernacle,^^ where the public meeting was held. 
Here he spoke for near an hour, in the midst of prodigious 
cheering ; especially when he stated that at Washington 
he had been fortunate enough to find an eaglets nest ; 
that he discovered in it ten half-grown golden eagles, 
which he would then produce ; pledging himself that any 
banker in New- York would give fifty dollars for them ; 
laying ten gold pieces upon the table. Then, bowing 
to the Chairman, he said, Sir, I have the pleasure and 
honour of presenting this sum to the American National 
Bible Society, the donation of a member of the Methodist 
Church at Washington.^^ 

He next advocated the Missionary cause at another of. 
the churches in New- York, and also at Brooklyn, and 
then left the city for Baltimore, to attend the remainder 



EEV. TcOBERT NEWTON^ D.D. 207 

of the Conference sittings^ spending a short time at Phil- 
adelphia on his way. Here he attended a Missionary 
Meeting on the Satm-day evenings when some ladies con- 
tributed one hundred dollars towards the education of 
an Indian boy^ to be called Robert INTewton^ as a mark 
of respect for the popular stranger who then appeared 
among them. Notice was given that he would preach 
the next morning at eleven o^ clock ; but before the hour 
of nine it was reported to him that the church was full of 
people^ and that no less than two thousand had gone away, 
unable to gain admission. He preached, but says, in his 
journal, ^^I never suffered so much from heat in all my life. 
Perspiration almost streamed from me, from head to foot."^^ 
Yet, having changed his linen, he preached in another 
church in the afternoon, attended by a vast assembly of 
people, several of whom were persons of distinction. 

In the course of a few days an elaborate article 
appeared in a newspaper which was published in this 
city, on the subject of Mr. Newton^s preaching, evidently 
written by an acute observer, but of merely secular views, 
who says not one word concerning the theology of Mr. 
Newton^s sermons, nor of their converting and sanctifying 
tendency and purpose. The following are the principal 
points in this writer^s criticism. We omit a few sen- 
tences, which would not have been introduced if the critic 
had been accustomed to attend Mr. Newton^s ministry. 
He only heard him once or twice. ^''We know not,"'' 
says the journalist, whether the Rev. Mr. Newton may 
be taken as a fair representative of the peculiar style 
of eloquence most popular in England; but if he may, 
we do not hesitate to assira to her the character of the 
most civilized nation on the globe. Pie reminds us of 

T 2 



208 



LIFE OF THE 



what has come down of the speeches of Demosthenes ; 
wanting^ it is true^ much of his pohsh^ his fire^ his 
impetuosity ; but resembling him in most of the leading 
characteristics of his style. 

The Eev. Mr. Newton is no bad representative of his 
nation^ so far as air and figure are concerned. Tall^ with 
a well-knit frame^ a short neck^ broad shoulders^ a florid 
countenance^ and a large and massy head^ no one could 
pass him in a crowd without being convinced of his 
English paternity. "We mean no disrespect^ but rather 
a compliment to him^ when we say he is the impersona- 
tion of John Bull. His mien is erect^ and in the pulpit 
noble. 

^^The elocution of the Eeverend Divine is^ for some 
moments after opening his exordium^ peculiarly plain. He 
does not appear as yet to be at home in his theme ; and 
though he cannot be said to labour^ he does not dazzle. 
Nothings however^ can prevent the listeners from admiring 
the richness of his voice^ whose every word is music^ and 
whose lower tones especially we have never heard sur- 
passed. Its compass is almost unequalled. Now ringing 
out clear and silvery^ now mellowed into the softest music, 
and now sirJving into a deep, rolling, sonorous bass, it 
fits itself to every variety of feeling the speaker may wish 
to arouse. 

^^When, however, he advances further into his dis- 
course, and begins to grow excited with his theme, all 
that formerly pleased or disappointed us in his elocu- 
tion is forgotten, in admiration of the masterly style in 
which he begins to develope his subject. With a mind 
clear and penetrating ; a capability of detecting the strong 
points of the argument at once ; a power of generalization 



EEY. EOBEP.T NEWTO^"^ D.D. 



209 



rarely excelled ; a flow of words^ at once copious, choice, 
and nervous; a faculty of dilating on an argument at 
length, and then compacting all into one sentence; and 
a fervid, rapid style of speaking, affecting no ornament, 
but striking home at once to the reason, and, though 
sometimes tinged with declamation, taking its general hue 
from logic ; he exerts a power over the minds of his audi- 
ence, which neither a more glowing fancy, a finer elocu- 
tion, nor a more brilliant style could exert. He is, in fact, 
of the school of Pox, rather than that of Burke; and, 
disdaining all needless ornament, is simple even to severity. 
He seems to have but one aim in view, — to convince his 
audience. On that he fixes his eye ; to it he addresses 
every nerve ; and, like the ancient Greek in the race, he 
casts off everything that will impede his progress ; regard- 
less of all, if he can only win the goal. Sometimes 
coarse, and often careless, but always nervous, rapid, and 
logical, he drags his audience along with him by main 
force, as if he disdained more gentle means. However 
much, at first, v»'e may question his argument, he never 
leaves it until he has fastened conviction upon us, seeming 
to play around the subject for a while, but at last flashing 
the trut]i upon us in a single lightning-like sentence. 

^^We cannot dismiss the subject without expressing 
our pleasure with the peculiarly practical nature of tiie 
Reverend Diviners discourses. Tine sentences, lofty 
metaphors, touching pathos may obtain admirers; but 
it is onlv solid thouo;ht and unanswerable loric that is 
at last to convince mankind. To this Mr. Newton seems 
peculiarly fitted. His eloquence is close, vehement, and 
irresistible; but we cannot better characterize it than by 
saying, it is like his figure, massy .''^ 

T 3 



210 



LIFE OF THE 



On Monday^ May IStli^ Mr. Newton returned to 
Baltimore^ where he remained till the 30th^ generally 
attending the sittings of the Conference by day, and 
preaching or attending pubhc meetings in the. evening. 
Here he was prevailed on to sit to two artists, who were 
engaged by different friends to paint his portrait. One 
of them went to hear him preach, in order that he might 
catch the full expression of his countenance ; but as Mr. 
Newton proceeded in his discourse, the limner forgot his 
object and his art; his conscience was awakened under 
the word ; he dropped his pencil, and w^ept like a child. 

The following letter, which he wrote on the 26th of 
May, and addressed to his family in England, presents an 
interesting picture of his spirit, labours, and circum- 
stances :-™ 

Ha\'ing an opportunity of sending this by a friend, 
who is going to Europe by the ^ British Queen,^ I gladly 
avail myself of it to tell those who are most dear to me, 
that, notwithstanding hot weather, cold w^ater, and no 
supper, I am, thank God, in good health. This I cannot 
but regard as a special Providence, and the more so when 
I consider my constant labour in preaching, and speaking 
at Missionary and other meetings. I have obtained a 
very thin dress ; and yet the perspiration runs down from 
head to foot. Strawberries and ice cream are very 
abundant and most delicious here; and I partake freely 
without any inconvenience. 

I have not been an hour unwell since T set my foot 
upon this vast continent. Your letter had been detained 
two days at New-York. "When I saw the well known 
handwriting, I dare say the feelings of my heart were 
betrayed by my eyes. Several ladies were present ; but 



HEY. EOBEET XETVTOX^ D.D. 



211 



for that I cared not. TTe are at tliis moment more than 
three thousand and sixty miles apart; and yet the ties by 
which we are united are as strong as if we were together. 

^^The invitations to preach in our churches^ and those 
of other denominations^ are so numerous that I might 
preach every hour of the day. The streets are crowded 
hours before the time appointed for the service to com- 
mence. But the best of aU is^ the gracious Lord has 
given me some seals to my ministry in America. Blessed 
be God ! 

"Much as I long to see you and old England again^ 
I cannot but regret that I have not another months to 
enable me to visit other parts of tliis continent. Every 
one sajs^ ^ You must come again^ and bring your wife 
with you.'' How this may be^ I know not. I can^ 
however^ say^ that^ though I do not love England less^ 
I like this country better than I did. J^ever have I 
preached to such crowds of attentive hearers before. 
Indeed^ I have met witli nothing but respect and kindness. 

"I have refused all invitations to attend Temperance 
and Abolition Meetings. Both parties are so violent and 
ultra, that T cannot but conclude thev will defeat their 
own design. There is also a great deal of what we call 
^ Ptadicalism^ connected with Abolition movements. I 
have spoken freely in the Conference on the subject; and 
I hope that what I have said may have some influence 
on what is here termed the ^ action^ of the Conference. 

"I observe all the ^helpsVin the families where I 
dine from day to day are sable. 

"The next week I am to spend in Xew-England. If it 
please God. I shall see you early in July. Give my love 
to my friends in general; the Preachers^ the Howards^ 



213 



LIFE OF THE 



the Doves^ tlie Musgraves^ in particiilar. I liope tliat 
Providence vciYL permit me to spend another year in 
Leeds. 

^^And now^ my dear wife and children^ may the Lord 
bless and take care of yon^ and bring us in due time 
together in health and comfort 

On the day which immediately preceded Mr. Wewton^s 
departure from Baltimore^ it vras announced to the Con- 
ference that he was about to retire; and he addressed 
them to the following effect : — I am deeply impressed 
with the value of your time^ and the obligations under 
which you are laid to improve it. But you will permit 
me to give utterance^ as far as possible^ to the feelings 
which agitate my heart. When I left my native land, 
I could not forget that I was parting from my home, 
and about to visit a country vfhich I had not seen. But 
my feet had scarcely touched your shores before I felt 
myself at home, and found that Methodism is one all 
over the world. In jNTew-Tork, in Philadelphia, in Balti- 
more, I have been delighted to meet with friends and 
bretln:en, who have one faith, one Eedeemer, and one 
Lord. Had I known that your session would have been 
protracted beyond this period, no inducement would have 
prevailed upon me to leave the Conference. But my 
promise is gone forth, and I must go. The proceedings 
of this body I have vratched with intense interest; for 
Methodism in all its departments is dear to me, and 
I am persuaded that you are chosen instruments of God. 
I have examined your polity, institutions, and operations 
as a Church; and, considering the immense sway that 
you wield over public opinion, I cannot be blind to your 
responsibility. Your system has worked well; and I am 



EEY. E03EET XEWTOX^ D.D. 



213 



one of those wlio tenaciously adliere to the maxmi^ ^ Let 
well alone/ 

I have heard incidental allusions to ^ moderate Epis- 
copacy / but if yours be not a moderate Episcopacy, I 
do not know what mates one. If there be a prayer for 
^moderate Episcopacy/ it is already granted. And as 
to your Presiding Eldership^ I have been asked whether 
it could not be altered for the better ; and whether 
our system of District-Chairmen might not be more 
eligible. In dense and populous districts, perhaps it 
might be so; but as a general plan in your country, 
it would be utterly impracticable. Your system has done 
well ; and again I say, ^ Let well alone.'' 

I cannot retire without an expression of my gratitude 
to the venerable Bishops of this Church. They live in 
my hearths best affections ; and while there is not a man 
before me who would not be joyfully hailed on our side 
of the Atlantic, I must express my belief that a visit 
from the venerable man in the pulpit,^^ (Bishop Soule,) 

would create a general and abiding pleasure. And should 
you send a traveUing companion, as I hope you vrilL my 
eye is fixed upon a brother who is supporting yon pillar, 
or the pillar supporting him/'' (Dr. Bangs,) ^^who would 
be most gladly greeted. 

"Finally, bretln:en beloved, I bid you farewell! and 
may the God of peace grant you His peace ! The Loed 

BE WITH YOU ALL ! A^OiEX.''^ 

The following Pvesolutions were then adopted by a 
unanimous vote of the Conference : — 

"That we cordially reciprocate the kind sentiments of 
affection just expressed to tins General Conference by the 
Eev. Eobert Kewton; and that, while his visit to this 



214 



LIFE OE THE 



country has served to exalt liim in onr personal regard^ it has 
contributed to streno'then still more the fraternal ties which 
bind together the Wesleyan family in Europe and America. 

That we devoutly implore the blessing of God upon 
him ; and pray that He may graciously vouchsafe to our 
beloved brother a safe return to his home and family^ and 
the Church whose Representative he is to this body/^ 

The Conference then knelt before God^ and Bishop 
Hedding uttered the following prayer : — 0 most blessed 
Lord,, we adore Thee^ that Thou hast vouchsafed unto us 
Thy grace ; that we have been comforted and edified by 
intercourse with our beloved brother^ who is about to 
take his departure from among us^, by his holy walk^ \is 
conversation^ and his ministry. And now, 0 Lord^ lift 
upon him and upon us the light of Thy countenance ; and 
mercifully continue to bless him with Thy great salvation. 
Go with him across the great deep. Calm the winds 
and waves. Multiply Thy consolations upon him^ in the 
midst of the ocean. Return him in safety to his family. 
Still preserve him^ even to a green old age^ a liglit to the 
church and the worlds 0 heavenly Father^ through our 
Redeemer^ Jesus Christ."'^ 

^Ir. Newton then prayed in the following strain : — 
^^And now, O Father^ we are bowed upon our knees, 
looking unto Thee. Grant unto us Thy grace, mercy, and 
truth, in Christ Jesus. We thank Thee that vre have been 
brou2!:ht to2:ether. Our hearts have been comforted, and 
our spirits refreshed. We have looked upon each other's 
faces, and have been made glad. Continue, 0 Lord, Thy 
great and abounding mercy to this Thy church. Strengthen 
its Ministers by Thy presence and Spirit ; and may Thy 
pleasure prosper still more abundantly in their hands. 



EEY. EOBEET yET^TO^'^ D.D. 213 

And noiT we must separate. 0 merciful God^ sustain ns, 
preserve us^ guide us^ comfort us. May vre all abide 
faithful to our trusts^, obedient to Tliy -will^ sei've Thee 
humblv, and finally attain eternal life in Clnist Jesus. 
Amen.''^ 

Mr. Xewton then bade the Bishops farewell^ shaking 
each of them bv the hand. The members of the Con- 
ference pressed round him as he retired. The scene was 
solemn and affecting^ and few were able to place their 
feelings mider restraint. Many of the ilinisters wept 
much. 



216 



LIFE OE THE 



CHAPTEE XI. 

Me. Newton took leave of tlie Conference on tlie 29th 
of May, and left Baltimore the next mormng for New- York, 
where he arrived at midnight,— a distance of two hundred 
miles. Here he found that labours of undiminished 
magnitude awaited him; his former services in that city 
and neighbourhood, and the report of his doings else- 
where, having excited general attention, and stimulated 
the curiosity of some, and the pious feeling of others; 
so that the desire to hear him was strong, and all but 
universal, especially among rehgious people. 

The day after his arrival, being the Sabbath, he was 
appointed to preach at eleven o^ clock in the John-street 
church, where Methodist preaching was commenced in 
America about seventy- !:wo years before. The crowd was 
immense, and far more went away than could find entrance. 
After the service he was invited by Colonel Eoss, the Com- 
mander of the Forces, to preach to his officers and men ; 
but the engagements which he had already made rendered 
it impossible that he should accept the offer. In the 
evening, when he went to the church in Seventh-street, he 
found it full of people, and about six thousand standing in 
the street. He therefore ascended some lofty steps, and 
preached in the open air, on Eom. viii. 32; and then, 
having dismissed the assembly, he went into the church, 
and preached to the crowded congregation, who had been 
waitiiig ail this time, on Eom. xii. 12, and made a collection 
for the Missions. He concluded the labours of the day 



HEV. KOBEET XETTTOy^ D.D. 



217 



about ten o^clock at iiiglit. Tlie lieat was intense, tlie 
thermometer standing at eiglitv-four in tlie shade. 

The next morning he left Xew-York, for the purpose 
of visiting Xew-Haven^ Middletown, Hartford, Springfield, 
Boston, and Providence ; and having preached at each of 
these places with his wonted power, interest, and accept- 
ance, he returned to jNTew-York, where he arrived at 
sunrise on Saturday, June 6th. At four o^ clock in the 
afternoon of the same dav, he laid the foundation-stone 
of a new church in Bedford-street, — his name being 
inscribed upon a piece of white marble, which was to be 
placed in the building, — and preached to an immense 
assembly^ on Psalm xxvi. 8 : Lord, I have loved the 
habitation of Thy house, and the place where Tliine 
honour dwelleth."'^ 

In the morning of the next day he went to the village 
of Williamsburgh to open a new church, multitudes of 
people from Xew-York accompanying him. The rain was 
very heavy, and had been falling from an early hour; yet 
about five thousand people assembled in and around the 
building; and more than a hundred vehicles of every 
description were exhibited in the vicinity. After the 
service a gold medal was presented to the Preacher, as 
a mark of respect from the congregation, and a beautiful 
album for Mrs. Xewton. 

In the evening he returned to Xew-York, and preached 
in the Yestry-street church, where a similar scene occurred, 
multitudes being disappointed. The Governor of the State 
of K"ew-York, the Chancellor, and three or four of their 
friends, entered into the chui'ch through a window near 
the pulpit, being dete'rmined to hear the popular stranger. 

This was intended to be his last pubhc service in 

u 



218 



LIFE OF THE 



America; but as the ship which was to convey him to 
England was not to sail before eleven o^ clock the next 
day,, the friends nrged him to preach in Allan-street 
church the next morning at six o^ clock. To this he 
assented; but the persons who accompanied him to the 
place could not obtain admission^ the church having been 
filled more than an hour before the appointed time. It 
was observed that such was the eagerness of the people 
to hear^ that when they came within sight of the churchy 
they actually ran^ like passengers by a railway or a steam- 
boat^ when they hear the bell ring^ as the signal for 
starting. The text from which he preached his farewell 
sermon was Phil. iv. 6 : Be careful for nothing ; but in 
everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving 
let your requests be made known unto God.''^ He spoke 
with his usual freedom and impressiveness ; and his ser- 
mon^ taken down in short-hand^ was forthwith published 
in a pamphlet^ with an account of the entire service. 

Before the congregation retired^ the following Resolutions 
were proposed by friends who were present from various 
places : — Whereas^ our esteemed brother^ the Eev. Robert 
Newton^ Representative of the "Wesleyan Methodists in 
Great Britain to the General Conference of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in America^ after a brief and most 
welcome visit to our shores in his official capacity^ is 
about to sail this day on his voyage to England : therefore^ 
Resolved^ — That we have hailed his arrival among us 
with the most heartfelt joy and gratitude^ as it is at once 
the proof and pledge of that affectionate union which has 
ever existed between the members of the great Methodist 
family in our own and other lands^ which we pray may be 
perpetuated to the latest generation. 



31EV. EOBEET ^^EWT0:N", D.D. 



219 



^^Tliat tlie Eev. Eobert Newton^ by liis public and 
private labours among us in various parts of our country, 
lias greatly endeared himself to the Church, and is entitled 
to our highest affection and gratitude ; and that, in 
returning to his family and friends in his native land, he 
bears with him our warmest wishes and most fervent 
prayers for his safety, prosperity, and happiness, in this 
life, and for evermore, 

^^That in token of our united esteem and regard for 
our distinguished friend and brother, this congregation 
will now rise upon their feet, while, in the name and on 
behaK of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United 
States, the Eev. Dr. Bangs shall bid him a spontaneous 
and affectionate farewell.''^ 

As soon as these Eesolutions were read, the entire 
assembly rose, and adopted them ; and Dr. Bangs, 
addressing Mr. Xewton, said : — 

^^My Eeverend Brother, it is with great pleasure that 
I address you in behalf of this numerous congregation, and 
repeat the assurances of esteem and Christian affection 
which are contained in the Eesolutions just read, and in 
which the tens of thousands of our brethren and friends 
who have enjoyed your society, and listened to your 
ministrations in various parts of our country, will most 
heartily unite. 

" On this your welcome visit to our country, you have 
come among us, not as a stranger ; ' though it is for the 
first time that we have been permitted to look upon your 
countenance. Your name has long been known to us as 
that of a venerated ^linister of our Lord J esus Christ, in 
the great Wesleyan family ; and your fame, as being in 
labours and successes more abundant, had led us to 

u 2 



220 



LI^^E OF THB 



anticipate both pleasure and edification from your ministry. 
Many of ns^ however^ have been most gratefully disap- 
pointed, by reason of the erroneous expectations we had 
indulged in relation to the character of your public 
ministry; having supposed that one chief excellence and 
attraction at home might depend upon the adornments of 
modern oratory. It has been our happiness to discover 
that we were mistaken in attributing your fame to the 
cultivation of the refinements of the art of elocution : for 
notwithstanding that you do come to us with excellency 
of speech, yet we are constrained most to admire the 
simplicity of the Gospel you preach, the purity of your 
doctrine, and the Divine eloquence with which you 
inculcate the fundamental articles of the Christian faith 
and practice. Especially are we rejoiced to hear from 
your hps the fervid and eloquent inculcation of the dis- 
tinctive peculiarities of Wesleyan theology ; the old Gospel- 
truths of justification by faith, the witness of the Spirit, 
and entire sanctification of heart and life, as the purchased 
privilege and gracious possession of the people of God. 

Moreover, we regard your visit as tending to unite still 
closer in the bonds of Christian union the entire family 
of the Wesleyan Methodists in Europe and America, 
and also to prompt us, if we may not rival you, at least 
to imitate you in every good word and work. We rejoice 
in the genuine philanthropy and Christian benevolence 
which have led you forth in the Bible, Tract, and Mission- 
ary cause, and, under the Divine blessing upon British 
Methodism, enabled you to accompHsh so much that your 
praise is in all the churches. While we participate with 
you in these labours of love, we bid you God speed. Go 
on, in the name of the Lord ; and while you travel eastward 



EEV. EGBERT yEVnoy, D.D. 



221 



with the word of liie^ spreading tlie savour of the 
Eedeemer^s name^ we will journey westward^ bearing 
the same precious seed ; and_, still advancing onward 
with the Missionary work, we hope to meet, having 
circumscribed the globe, upon some favoured spot, where 
we can unite our common rejoicings in songs of victory 
and triumph^ when the kingdoms of this workl shall 
have become the kingdoms of our God and of His 
Christ. 

And now that you are about to leave our shores for 
your own native land^ in the name and in behalf of this 
congregation, of the General Conference, and, if I be 
not assuming, I would add, in behalf of the whole 
Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States, I bid you 
an affectionate farewell. And may the God of providence 
and grace preserve you amid the perils of the ocean, and 
restore you to your family^ to your friends, and to the 
Church whose honoured Eepresentative you are, in peace 
and safety ! Bear with you the assurance of our grateful 
and affectionate remembrance, and that our prayers will 
accompany and follow you, that you may long continue 
to proclaim the Gospel of the grace of God; and, having 
served your generation according to the will of God, may 
we together hail you ^ntli the ransomed of the Lord who 
have gone before us, and sit down together in our Pather^s 
house, to go out no more for ever ! Farewell, my brother, 
— for I may call you by that endearing name, — and may 
the God of peace dehght to dweR with and bless you^ 
through Jesus Christ our Lord 

The benediction was then pronounced, the choir sang 
a parting hymn, and the assembly separated dissolved in 
tears. Multitudes wept aloud, and three or four hundred 

u 3 



222 



LIPE or THE 



people shook hands with the Preacher whose voice they 
were never more to hear. 

Several persons came to take leave of him by the water- 
side, and others w^ent with him on board the steam-vessel 
which was to convey him to the ship; some of whom 
had come two hundred miles to show him these last marks 
of respect. "When Mr. Newton and his companion were 
on board the ship, the American friends standing upon 
the deck of the steamer alongside pulled off their hats, 
and united to sing the following hymn :— 

" And let our bodies part, 

To different climes repair. 
Inseparably join'd in beart 

Tbe friends of Jesus are. 
Jesus, tbe Corner-stone, 

Did first our hearts unite ; 
And still He keeps our spirits one, 

Wbo walk with Him in white, 

" 0 let us still proceed 

In Jesu's work below ; 
And, following our triumphant Head, 

To farther conquests go ! 
The vineyard of their Lord 

Before His labourers lies ; 
And, lo ! we see the vast reward 

Which waits us in the skies. 

" 0 let our heart and mind 

Continually ascend. 
That haven of repose to find 

W^here all our labours end; 
"Where all om* toils are o'er. 

Our sufi'ering and our pain : 
"Who meet on that eternal shore, 

Shall never part again. 



EET. EOBEET SE'^TOy, D.D. 



223 



" 0 tappy, liappv place, 

TVhere saints and angels meet ! 
There we sliall see each other's face. 

And all our brethren greet. 
The Church ot the fii'st-born, 

^e shall with them be blest. 
And, crown' d with endless jov, return 

To our eternal rest. 

""^ith joy we shall behold. 

In yonder blest abode, 
The Patriarchs and Prophets old, 

And all the saints of God. 
Abraham and Isaac there, 

And Jacob, shall receive 
The followers of their faith and prayer, 

"^'ho now in bodies live. 

" We shall our time beneath 

Live out in cheerful hope, 
And fearless pass the vale of death, 

And gain the mountain-top. 
To gather home His own, 

God shall His angels send, 
And bid our bliss, on earth begun. 

In deathless triumph end.'' 

"WTiile the friends sang these beautiful and appropriate 
stanzas^ Mr. Z\e^'ton stood motionless,, with his head unco- 
vered^ the tears trembling in his eves. '^1 took off mv 
hat/^ says he : the scene was most toucliing. At last 
the steamer turned rounds and they continued waging 
handkerchiefs and hats till they were out of sight. Lord^ 
grant us a happy meeting in heaven 1''^ The passen- 
gers stared at this unusual sights and wondered what it 
meant. 

Such was the reception that 'Mi, Xewton met with in 



224 



LIFE OF THE 



America^ and sucli tlie respect wliicli liis talents^ labours^ 
and character commanded. During the six weeks and 
two days that he spent upon that vast continent^ he 
travelled about two thousand miles^ and preached or spoke 
at public meetings nearly one hundred times, and that 
with undiminished interest and effect; producing in every 
place an impression of personal sanctity, and of extra- 
ordinary power as a public speaker. Since the time of 
"Whitefield no Minister had been a means of producing 
such effects. The best of all is, that he left behind him 
not admirers only, but converts ; persons who were actually 
turned ^^from darkness to light, and from the power of 
Satan unto God/^ by his instrumentality. It was observed 
at that time, that some of the ]\Iinisters in the Methodist 
Episcopal Chm'ch had, in various degrees^ departed from 
the simple earnestness of their fathers, and affected a style 
of preaching which was speculative and philosophical; 
and not a few members of the Church, lamenting this fact, 
anticipated great benefit from Mr. jN'ewton''s example. His 
ministry commanded universal admiration; and yet it 
was eminently plain, energetic, and scriptural. 

When returning to England^ he w^as not accompanied 
by so many people as were in the ship that conveyed 
him to America. The emigrants were wanting; but 
among the cabin-passengers he found a considerable 
variety, consisting of English, Spanish, Swiss, Dutch, 
Irish, and Americans. With these people he was accus- 
tomed to pray every morning and evening ; and he minis- 
tered to them the word of life every Sabbath-day during 
the voyage. His spirit and bearing were so kind and 
gentlemanly, that he became a general favourite among 
his fellow-voyagers, some of whom said that, if it were 



r.EV. HOBEET XEWTO^'^ D.T>. 



225 



in their power in future life, tliey would be regular 
attendants on his ministry. 

On his voyage home a sad accident occurred. A sailor 
fell overboard^ in consequence of the breaking of a rope ; 
and^ as the ship was sailing at a rapid speedy it was 
impossible to save him. He cried for help^ and ropes 
were thrown out to him ; but he failed to lay hold upon 
them. Being a good swimmer, he was seen for some 
time, as he rose to the top of the waves ; but at length 
he sank to rise no more, till the sea shall resign her dead 
at the command of the Almighty Son of God. This 
event furnished an occasion to Mr. jSTewton to speak to 
the seamen, and to all on board, on the subject of a 
preparation for death and eternity ; and he availed himself 
of it with kindness and fidelity, and it may be hoped 
not without effect. In one of his sermons he referred 
to the case of the lost sailor, when the tears rolled plen- 
tifully down the cheeks of the honest tars on board. 
Several of the passengers, too, both on this and other 
occasions, showed signs of deep emotion. 

An incident occurred in connexion with this calamity 
which places the kind thoughtfulness of Mr. Newton in 
a striking light. His friend Mr. Souter was hable to 
rise and walk about in his sleep, especially when greatly 
excited; and once, when on ship-board, in imminent 
danger of losing his life in consequence of this propensity. 
Having seen the sailor perish, Mr. Souter was afraid 
lest, in the course of the following night, he should rise up 
and plunge himself into the sea, under an apprehension 
that he could save the life of the drowning man, and 
therefore deemed it necessary to keep awake. At an early 
hour the next morning Mr. Newton heard him mo\Tng in 



226 



LIFE OF THE 



his berths and inquired if he was ill; and on being 
informed what was the reason of his friend^s restlessness, 
he replied: ^^You need not be afraid; for having heard 
of your freaks of somnambulism, I locked the. door of 
your berth, and put the key in my pocket. You may 
therefore fall asleep as soon as you please ; for you are a 
close prisoner, and cannot escape/^ 

On the 1st of July our voyagers landed at Liverpool, 
having travelled nearly ten thousand miles, by land and 
by water, from the 1st of April, when they embarked 
at the same port. The storm during the preceding night 
was tremendous ; so that their entrance into the quiet 
harbour was doubly welcome. Mr. Newton says, in his 
journal : He who holds the winds in His fists rebuked 
them and the waves, and we got safe round the Black 
Eock. I soon recognised several friends on the pier. At 
last I saw my beloved wife with dear B. and J. It was 
quite as much as my fortitude could sustain. Mr. P. soon 
got on board. / am noio on English ground once more, 
Halleluia ! 

After spending a few days with his family in Leeds, 
preaching in that town and neighbourhood, Mr. Newton 
repaired to Newcastle, where the Conference was to be 
held, lending assistance at the opening of the Centenary 
chapel in York on his way. His appearance among his 
brethren again, in vigorous health, produced a feeling of 
general joy; and many and hearty were the congratula- 
tions which he received, both from Ministers and laymen, 
on his safe return to his fatherland. 

When the Conference assembled, he received another 
substantial proof of the confidence and respect in which 
he was held by his brethren, in his third elevation to the 



EEY. EOBEET ^'ETVTOX^ D.D. 



227 



Presidential Cliair. His election in this instance^ as ^ell 
as in the last^ took place as early as possible ; the lapse 
of eight years being required by rule before a President 
can be re-elected, to that honourable post. After this 
matter Tvas determined^ he addressed the folloT\'ing charac- 
teristic letter to his danghters^ in which it is observable 
he does not call npon them to rejoice in the honours 
that were so freely conferred npon their father^ but to 
pray that he might be qnalified for the momentous duties 
M^hich^ during the next twelve months^ he would be called 
to discharge. 

Yesterday/^ says he^ the Conference commenced its 
solemn and important doings. After the usual preliminary 
arrangements^ the President was elected by the largest 
majority that was ever known in such a case ; the votes 
for him being one hundred and ninety ; and his nomina- 
tion to the legal hundred for their approval was unani- 
mously confirmed. The person thus elected is your father. 
I am sure you will present your prayers to the God 
of all grace^ that He may afford all needful support. The 
office is one of the most grave and weighty responsibility. 
Dr. Hannah is the Secretary^ and Mr. Bowers is appointed 
to take the place of poor Mr. Anderson. The Ex-President^ 
Mr. Lessey^ cannot attend the Conference, in consequence 
of ill health. A touching letter was received fi^om him 
yesterday. 

The prayer-meetings in connexion with the opening 
of the Conference were numerou.sly attended, and marked 
by special infiuence from above. I earnestly hope that 
we shall have a happy Conference. We have ascertained 
an increase of sixteen thousand members in our Societies 
in the course of the last year. To God's name be all the 



228 



LTPE OF THE 



praise ! I believe tliat I shall remain in Leeds. The 
Lord direct our way V' 

At a later period of the Conference he wrote thus to 
Mrs. Newton You would have heard from me sooner, 
if I had not been constantly occupied in the onerous duties 
of the awf al station I have been called to occupy. I am 
thankful to say, the four great services which I have had 
to conduct closed last night, when Dr. Hannah dehvered 
the charge to the young men. On the former evening 
I ordained by solemn imposition of hands, assisted by 
Elders, fifty-four young Ministers. We had an immense 
concourse of people, and a most interesting service. The 
gracious Lord has greatly helped me. I never saw the 
Conference so respectful, and easy to be governed. 

"It is now decided that we shall remain in Leeds. 
Mr. Pennington will be my young man. 

" I had the honour of introducing two Ashantee Princes 
to the Conference last week, and also dined with them. 
Preeman is here, as dark as Praser. Two or three 
Missionaries return v/ith him to Africa. 

"Our increase, at home and abroad, turns out to be 
upwards of twenty-two thousand. To God be the praise ! 

" The brethren are coming in, and I must conclude. I 
stole these moments from the time which is allowed for 
breakfast. With love to all friends, and their father^s love 
to all at home, at Liverpool, and at Easingwold, when you 
write. God bless you all 

When the result of his mission to America was reported 
to the Conference, the following Resolutions were adopted 
by that body with great cordiahty : — 

"The Conference records its affectionate and grateful 
obligations to the President, the Rev. Robert Newton, for 



HEY. EOBEET yYWIOSj D.D. 



229 



the promptitude '^itli Tviiich^ at the sacrifice of miicli 
personal and domestic comfort^ he consented to undertake 
a mission^ as our EepresentativC; to the General Con- 
ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United 
States of America. 

^^The Conference most cordially and unanimously 
expresses its high sense of the Christian spirit whicli 
its honoured Eepresentative maintained in every part of 
his arduous service ; of the uuTrearied zeal and diligence 
with which he ''laboured^ among our American bretlu'en 
^in the word and doctrine;^ and of the fidelity wliich he 
uniformly observed^ especially in his unfiincliing reite- 
ration and avowal of our unaltered and unalterable views 
and sentiments on the subject of slavery. 

The Conference ofi'ers its united thanksgivings to 
Almighty God for His gracious preservation of om- beloved 
Eepresentative both by sea and land ; for the eminent 
assistance wliich He granted to him in his various minis- 
trations abroad; and for the unabated health and vigom^ 
in which He has restored him to his family and to us; 
and to those thanksgi\4ngs the Coriference adds its fervent 
prayers^ that God may still guard and bless His servant 
through many future years of usefulness and peace."^^ 

"When the business of the Conference was ended; Air. 
Kewton returned to his Circuit at Leeds; and^ notwith- 
standing the multiplicity of his cares and engagements as 
President; he resumed^ without delay^ the kind of ser^-ice 
in which for many years he had been employed. Dming 
the months of autumn and winter he travelled far and 
widC; visiting the places that needed his aid; and sernng 
at once the interests of Missions^ of local charitieS; and 
of Christian godliness ; for his preaching and conversation^ 

X 



230 



LIEE OF THE 



wherever he went, were invariably directed to the spiritual 
good of the people. 

Early in the spring he went into Cornwall on a Mis- 
sionary deputation^ where he addressed large congregations^ 
who in pious zeal and liberality seemed determined to 
surpass their former doings ; thence he went to London^ to 
assist at the Anniversary of the Wesleyan Missionary 
Society; then to South Wales, to attend the yearly 
meeting of the Ministers belonging to that District. He 
next went to Cork, as the President of the Irish Con- 
ference; after which the English Conference required his 
presence and services. In all these engagements he was 
the same cheerful, active, self-denying Minister of the 
Lord Jesus that he had been for many years ; as will be 
seen in the following brief extracts from the letters 
which he sent to Mrs. Newton. They describe the nature 
and extent of his services, and the spirit of piety and holy 
zeal which he invariably maintained. 

^^Liskeard, April 2d, 1841. — Here I am, thank God, 
in safety and health. Yesterday, after a long journey, I 
attended two Missionary Meetings at Devonport, one in 
the Town-Hall, and the other in the chapel. Admiral 
Sir James Hillier took the chair. He is an eminently 
devout man. On Tuesday I preached three times ; twice 
at Sampford-Peverel, and once at Tiverton. Thus far I 
have had every needful blessing. The new chapel here 
this morning has been filled. The collection was forty 
pounds. We have just come from the Town-Hall, where 
two or three hundred persons have dined. Many have 
come from far. I preach again in the evening. 

To-morrow I go fifty miles to Camborne, where I 
begin my deputation-work. The people, I find, are 



BET. EOBERT NEWTOX^ D.D. 



231 



expecting great tilings. May tliey all look to tlie great 
Master ! and then tliev will not be disappointed. I deeply 
feel my responsibility. May tlie gracious Lord be my 
helper ! Do not be uneasy on my account. The Lord 
vriU be my Keeper in going out and coming in. 

TTe had a good day at Taunton on Tuesday^ where 
I preached two sermons^ and delivered a speech of an 
liour^s length at the tea-meeting.''^ 

^^St. L'es^ April 9th. — I have been mercifully pre- 
served from harm and sickness. Indeed^ I think the 
more I travel^ and the harder I work^ the better I am. 
The prodigious congregations here would astonish you. 
The people travel ten^ fifteen^ or twenty miles on foot^ 
or in what they call ^ vans.^ They make me speak twice 
in every meeting. But truly their zeal and liberality are 
bevond what can ordinarilv be found. Tvro hundred 
pounds were given at Penzance ; one hundred and three 
at St. Just ; and when the breakfast is over^ we shall 
have two hundred and twenty, or two hundred and tliirty_, 
at this little Eobin Hood^s Bay. 

I went from St. Just to see the Land^s End. How 
I wished you and the girls could have been with me ! 

^^It is heart-cheering to see TTesleyan Methodism 
so healthy here. Lideed, it is the established church, 
and has conferred incalculable benefits upon the people. 
I feel very desirous to be useful while on this mission. 
0 for more of the mind which was in Christ Jesus ! You 
will pray for me. The people tell me how well I look ; 
but you and I know how life with us is passing away. 
The Lord prepare us, and all who are most dear to us, 
for His heavenly kingdom l^' 

■ At tbe St. L'es Missionarv Meetins; Mr. Xewton was 

X 2 



232 



LIFE OF THE 



gratified to find an excellent Clergyman in the cliair^ who 
held out the right hand of fellowship to his Wesleyan 
neighbours^ especially as the friends of the Heathen. 

"Camborne^ April 10th. — We are^ thank QoA, getting 
on most charmingly. Such efforts for the support of 
Missions have never before been known in Cornwall^ not 
even when Peter Jones was here. And the best of all is^ 
that the devotional feeling is just what one would desire. 
The last night^s meeting here was a most happy one. 
May I return to my family a better man than I was when 
I left them ! 

^^Eedruth^ April 12th. — Yesterday was a day of no 
common interest. In the morning the chapel at St. 
Agnes was so overflowing at nine o^ clocks that when I 
arrived^ it was proposed that I should go into the adjoin- 
ing field. I did^ however^ squeeze through the crowd 
into the pulpit. In the evening such a scene was exhi- 
bited as was scarcely exceeded even in America. I began 
the service soon after five o^ clock. Truly the Lord was 
with us ! ^ What am I, 0 Lord God^ or what my father's 
house^ that Thou hast brought me hitherto ?^ May I 
obtain mercy of the Lord to be faithful ! 

" I hope to arrive on Saturday nighty though I shall 
have to travel nearly two hundred miles on that day. 
Give their father^s love to the dear girls and Franks 
and accept once more the assurance of the undying love 
of your ever affectionate husband.''^ 

London, April 29th.— I thank God, He has helped 
me. The Centenary Hall was full long before the time 
announced for Divine service. Hundreds, I am told, went 
away, unable to gain admission. The Lord was better 
to me than even my hopes, while I was speaking of 



REV. ROBEUT NEWTOXj D.D. 



233 



TVesleyan Methodism as a signal work of God. Dr. 
Bunting read the prayers; Thomas Jackson acted as the 
clerk ; and the venerable Richard Eeece closed with a 
powerful prayer. The collection was £185. 15^. Glory 
be to God in the highest ! I felt^ in a way I cannot 
describe^ the importance and responsibility of my situation 
this morning. 

"Yesterday I came from Bickering^s Park."^^ I spent 
a pleasant day at Ridgemount on Tuesday last^ at the 
re-opening of a beautiful little chapel.^'' 

"Bristol^ May 10th. — We had overflowing congrega- 
tions yesterday^ and collections for Missions larger than 
on former occasions. This evening I preach in King- 
street chapel for Missions ; and to-morrow morning go 
early by a steamer to Cardiff^ where I preach in the 
afternoon and evening. Early the next morning I go 
by railway to Merthyr-Tydvil^ where 1 meet the Wels]i 
brethren. 

" We had an admirable meeting in London. The Mem- 
bers of Parhament spoke nobly. Wesleyan Methodism 
was at no discount. Sir George Rose vvas on the plat- 
form^ and would have spoken^ but was obliged to leave 
before he could come on. Lord HiUsborough had engaged 
to speak^ but was suddenly taken ill. The Scotch Divines 
did us good service. The A^ery Reverend the Moderator 
is a most delightful man^ about my own age. He and 
Dr. Candlish dined with us at our select party after 
the meeting. It was the most religious and edifying 
occasion of the kind I ever witnessed. 

* The residence of the late Samuel Bennett, Esq., — a noble specimen of 
an English farmer, and not less so as a Methodist Local Preacher ; a man 
after Mr. Xewton's own heart. 

X 3 



234 



LIPE OF THE 



It was to me affecting yesterday mornings at the 
Langton-street cliapel^ to be followed into the vestry by 
three or four mothers^ each of whom had with her three 
or four cliildren^ to shake hands with me, and get my 
blessing. I thought, ^ These children will tell of this 
when my bones are gone to dust, and my tongue lies 
silent in the grave/ I see the friends everywhere begin 
to look upon me as one of the fathers in our Ministry: 
and yet I seem to be of yesterday. Such is our life. 

0 that I were more deeply imbued with the spirit of 
wisdom, holiness, and love ! 

^* Cork, June 29th. — Thanks be to God, I am in perfect 
health, though retiring late, and rising earlj^, day by day. 

1 am treated with Irish hospitality. The last Sabbath was 
a day to be remembered. I preached in the morning, and 
Mr. Bowers in the evening. The Patrick-street chapel 
could not contain the multitudes who came together. 
Wesley an Methodism now commands the attention of the 
public in a way that it never did before. May we feel, as 
we ought, our high responsibility, and make the best use 
of the influence which God hath given us ! 

I have this evening to conduct the solemn ordination 
service. Five young men, of great promise, are to be set 
apart for the Ministry. On the foUowdng evening I am to 
deliver the charge. May the Lord be my helper ! Of one 
thing I am quite sure : I feel more than I ever did in 
bygone years, that I am acting for eternity ; and that I 
am hastening to that world where ^life is all retouched 
again. 

^^I am expected in Dublin on the evening of the Sab- 
bath : and there I must remain over Monday to attend 
the Anniversary of the Hibernian Missionary Society ; so 



HEY. KOBEET NEWTON^ D.D. 



235 



tliat it must be Wednesday before I can arrive at my 
^ sweet home/ *^ 

The time of the English Conference was not far distant 
when this letter was written; and Mr. Newton^ having 
spent six years in Leeds^ expected soon to take his de- 
parture to some other field of labour. During the last 
of these years the Rev. Alfred Barrett was one of his col- 
leagues ; and has furnished the following sketch, as the 
result of his own observation : — 

It was my lot to be associated with Mr. jN'ewton, in 
the Second Leeds Circuit, in the year 1840 ; the year in 
which he was chosen, for the third time. President of the 
Conference. His fine voice was well adapted to roll 
through the expanse of the large chapel which had lately 
been built in Oxford-place, and to command the attention, 
and to affect the hearts, of the vast congregation then 
worshipping there ; while the broad and simple masses of 
Gospel truth, of which his sermons chiefly consisted, were 
gratefully estimated by a people, whose vigorous intellect 
and genial nature gave them more than ordinary sympathy 
with the Preacher. And yet, though well and universally 
known, to many of us he was in some respects unknown. 
"We had known the eloquent and fascinating Missionary 
advocate, the spirit-swaying Preacher, the effective Secretary 
of the Conference, whose voice was heard, the moment when 
he uttered a word, above the murmur of all other voices • 
but not the confiding friend — the exemplary private com- 
panion — the humble believer, breathing after God. Such, 
however, we found him. When among his brethren, there 
was, notwithstanding his high official position, no assump- 
tion, no hauteur. He expressed himself in no other tone 
than that of a brother among bretlnren ; though he never 



236 



LIFE OF THE 



siiuered the claims of his office to be sliglited. When 
occasionally found in parties of Christian friends^ he was 
ordinarily simple rather than brilliant in his conversation ; 
and more disposed to divert attention from himseK than to 
court it. To detraction and evil- speaking he had a pro- 
found aversion ; and never did I see that sin so frowned 
upon^ as by his example and gesture^ when it was forced 
upon his notice. 

At the time I refer to^ his week-day labours through 
the country were so connected and continuous^ that we 
hardly ever saw him except on the Sabbath^ and the two 
extremes of the week. He generally arrived at home on 
the Friday evenings so as to secure the Saturday as a day 
of retirement. His house was situate in the villa.2:e of 
Burley^ about two miles from the town ; and in order that 
their residence in that place might be productive of 
spiritual good to the villagers^ Mr. and Mrs. Newton 
arranged that one of their rooms should be occupied every 
Friday evening by a regTilar service^ conducted according 
to the appointed order by the Ministers of the Circuit. 
With great alacrity and joy the members of the family 
used to address themselves to the removal of the furniture 
and the introduction of the forms and pulpit at the usual 
hour^ and in the interval took the warmest interest in the 
gathering and increase of the little congregation. This 
devout zeal was abundantly rewarded ; for several persons 
w^ere led in that year to seek and obtain the great salvation 
of the Gospel, and join the Society which through this 
instrumentality had been formed. 

On some occasions it happened that he arrived at home 
to be present at this service ; and unless some extraordinary 
hinderance kept him in private, he never failed to enter the 



HEV. EOBEET NEWTOX^ D.D. 



237 



room^ take some quiet corner^ join in the liymn^ respond 
reverently to the prayer^ and listen to the sermon^ though 
preached by the least experienced of his colleagues^ with all 
the simplicity and freshness of one who was just beginning 
to understand what the joys and privileges of the worship 
of God really are. 

Once^ in the absence of Mr. Cusworth^ it fell to his lot 
to preside at the Quarterly Meeting of the Circuit. It was 
found, in the course of the proceedings, that, although the 
congregations were not diminished during the preceding 
months, the numbers in the Societies had declined, and the 
classes were in a somewhat drooping state. This led him 
to address some observations to the Preachers and office- 
bearers then present, which were partly encouraging and 
partly admonitory. He adverted to the great design of all 
church-organization and all preaching ; and said how dis- 
satisfied and unhappy he ever felt himself, if all the 
purposes of the Gospel were not fulfilled, and if edification 
and increase did not go on together. He was then led to 
speak of his own ministry ; and said that, though he had 
to bewail in confusion and shame before God his manifold 
unfaithfulness, he was thankful that he had been able to 
maintain a steadfast determination, in all the popularity 
with which it had pleased God to favour him, so to preach 
as to aim directly at the salvation of his hearers. As he 
grew older, he said, he saw the vanity of all other kinds 
of preaching, and felt resolved to abide by the old order ; 
and called upon all present to do the same. In the 
whole of tliis address there was a tenderness, unction, and 
solemnity, proceeding from the state of his own heart at 
the time, which can never be put into words ; but it 
speedily awoke sympathy in others. Similar confessions 



238 



LIFE OE THE 



were made; similar convictions were uttered; tlien tlie 
tenderness and solemnity spread, as if by a special illapse 
of tlie Divine Spirit ; and when two or three at the close 
arose to speak, they were hindered by their feelings, and 
the room where they were assembled became a place of 
weeping. The late Mr. Christopher Dove, who was then 
present, was wont afterwards to speak of that day with 
loving memory. It was a day not easy for any one to 
forget. 

I may add, that it was by Mr. Newton's solicitation 
and fatherly patronage, that I began in Leeds a weekly 
Bible-class, for the edification and instruction of young 
people, — a labour which has yielded much gracious fruit, 
and which I have never relinquished from that day.''^ 

The Conference of 1841 was held in Manchester ; and 
during the early part of its sittings some duties of great 
weight and importance devolved upon him, in consequence 
of the ofiice of President which he had sustained for the 
last twelve months. "Writing therefore to Mrs. Newton, 
he says : When I get over the sermon to the Conference 
on Monday, and the charge to the newly-ordained men on 
Thursday, I shall be very thankful to Him ^ whose I am, 
and whom I serve."* 

" You will be glad to hear that the Committee of the 
Centenary Pund has adjudged a larger sum to the Mis- 
sionary cause. Miss Birch has presented a thousand pounds 
for the support of the Ashantee Mission, and sixty for the 
Irish schools. May God bless her ! Mr. Sutcliffe, who 
resides with us, is treated with great respect.^^ 

"Manchester, August 6th. — I have now discharged the 
weighty duties for which I was responsible to the Con- 
ference, by preaching the official sermon, and delivering the 



RET. EOBEET ^sETTTOX^ D.T). 239 

charge^ Tvhich took place last evening. Truly the Lord 
was better to me than my apprehensions. The Oldham- 
street chapel was crowded to overflowing. I am urged to 
print; and now feel myself much more buoyant than 
before. 

Poor Mr. Sutcliffe had to leave the Conference^ having 
heard that his wife was very ill. She died before he 
reached home. He has written a touching letter to Mrs. 
Johnson^ in which he says : ^ I found her cold^ and gone 
over the brook ; and^ 0^ I am left beliind^ a poor totter- 
ing old man V What a mercy it is^ that you and I 
are spared to each other ! The respect and affection of 
my brethren are overwhelming/^ 



240 



LirE OF THE 



CHAPTEE XII. 

On the 1st of September, 1841, Mr. Newton took 
leave of his friends in Leeds, and removed with his family 
to Cheetham-Hill, in the First Manchester Circuit. The 
separation was an occasion of mutual sorrow. "With 
many of them he was very intimate, and he highly 
esteemed them for their piety and uprightness, as well 
as for the countenance and aid which they had afforded 
him in the exercise of his ministry during the last six 
years. His week-day services had, indeed, been widely 
distributed; but his Sabbaths had been given to the 
town and neighbourhood of Leeds, where his preaching 
was made a blessing to thousands. From this time, 
though he and his friends in Leeds were locally separated, 
they continued one in mind and heart. 

Among many other persons who came to take leave 
of him before his removal was a devout woman, some- 
what advanced in life, w^ho expressed her regret at his 
departure, and thanked him for the ministry which it 
had been her privilege to attend; observing, at the same 
time, that his preaching was characterized by two pecu- 
liarities, which she regarded as of the highest importance. 
"You speak,^^ said she, "with such clearness, and in 
such an elevated tone of voice, that I hear every word 
you utter; and your sermons are so plain, that I can 
understand and remember them better than the sermons 
of any other man.''^ "I thank you very sincerely for 
your good opinion,^^ was his reply : " you have paid 
me the highest compliment I ever received.''^ 



PvEY. EOBEET NEWTOX; D.D. 



241 



Daring tlie next six years his family resided in Man- 
chester^ or its immediate vicinity,, spending one-lialf of 
this period in the Manchester Tirst Circuity and the 
other haK in Manchester Second. The Conference stilly 
in compHance with the expressed desire of the Connexion^ 
appointed a junior Minister to preach in his phices on 
the week-nights^ and discharge the duty of pastoral visita- 
tion; thus enabhng Mr. Newton to pursue the course 
of public labour which to him had become matter of 
confirmed habit. He served his own Circuit with strict 
punctuality on the Lord^s day; but on the other days 
of the week he was the willing servant of the entire 
Methodist body. The Circuits to which he was appointed 
received him with this understanding ; yet they attached 
so much importance and value to his Sunday labours^ 
that they were even eager to obtain his services upon 
these terms. As the Eev. James Dixon^ the President 
of the Conference^ was then stationed in Manchester^ he^ 
of course^ was tlie Chairman of the District ; so that Mr. 
Ts'ewton was in this respect more at liberty to visit distant 
places than he had been for several years. 

TVhen he had spent twelve months in faithfully minis- 
tering the word of life in the Tirst Manchester Circuity 
and in uninterrupted jommeyings to serve the English 
and Irish Connexions^ he repaired to London^ to attend 
the Annual Conference. Dr. Hannah was elected the 
President^ and Mr. Xewton was again appointed to officiate 
as the Secretary. To him this Conference was an occa- 
sion of the highest interest^ Bishop Soule having been 
sent as the Picpresentative of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church in America to their brethren in England^ accom- 
panied by the Eev. Thomas Sargent. Mr. Isewton had 

Y 



243 



LIFE OF THE 



formed a high opinion of tlie Bishop^ from what lie had 
seen of liim in the United States^ and suggested that 
he should be selected for this service. He was delighted 
to see him^ and promised himself much happiness in 
his intercourse with that gifted man^ as well as with his 
English brethren generally. 

Yet scarcely had the Conference assembled^ and he 
had entered upon his duties as Secretary^ than he found 
himself placed in circumstances of trials which he had 
not anticipated^ and which placed his fine character in 
a new and impressive light. He had passed tln:ough a 
course of extraordinary popularity with singular modesty 
and self-abasement; and he had endured the bitterest 
peltings of defamation and reproach with unruffled meek- 
ness and charity ; but it was yet to be seen how he could 
endure the sorrows of bereavement. He was eminently 
distinguished by the tenderness of his domestic affections. 
His heart yearned over his children^ and he cherished 
a deep solicitude for their welfare. Amidst the most 
urgent and pressing of his public engagements^ he never 
forgot his children^ and never ceased to commend them 
to the mercy of God in earnest prayer. This is attested 
by every part of his correspondence with Mrs. Newton 
when he was from home; and his return to them every 
Saturday^ after the exciting services and extensive journey- 
ings of the week^ always afforded him a sincere gratifica- 
tion. As in the case of the Patriarch Jacobs his life 
was bound up in the Hves of his children; and nothing 
but a deep conviction of duty could have induced him 
to spend so much of his time from their society. As a 
father^ it was to him matter of thankfulness^ that_, with 
the exception of an infant who died in the birth, he 



KEY. EOBERT ^'E^TOy^ D.D. 



243 



had never been required to follow the remains of any 
of his own children to the grave. But a sacrifice of this 
kind was now required at his hands. 

He had been absent from home about ten davs^ attend- 
ing the Committees which meet preparatory to the assem- 
bhng of the Conference^ and in visiting his friends at 
Derby. During this interval his daughter Mary Anne 
was seized with fever; and the letters which he received 
from Mrs. K'ewton contained intimations that serious 
consequences were apprehended. In the evening of the 
first day of the Conference he wrote the following letter 
to his anxious wife : — 

I cannot tell you with what sensations I received the 
information yesterday^ by your two notes^ of the serious 
illness of dear Mary Anne. Your letter^ which has been 
forwarded to me from Derby,, has somewhat relieved me. 
I had returned from Derby to London without the 
slightest idea of what had taken place. Dear girl ! I never 
knew before how well I loved her ; nor have I ceased to 
pray for her^ and you alb since I learned her state. I 
earnestly hope^ however^ that by this time she is better ; 
and if so, the quieter she is, the better. Had the informa- 
tion reached me at Derby, I should have gone forward to 
see you, if I had travelled all night. I need not tell you 
to write every day, till you think the fever has abated. 
She has the best medical assistance ; and I believe our 
gracious Lord does and will hear prayer in her behalf. 0 
that this visitation may be sanctified to us all ! The forti- 
tude whicli is expressed in your letter is such as true 
rehgion only could inspire. 

The Conference commenced this morninc^. Dr. Han- 
nail is the President^ and your old liusbaud is once more 

T 2 



244 



LIFE OE THE 



the Secretary; so that you can suppose I am busy 
enough. I have sent back-word to Mr. Parmer^ who has 
a large party this evening ; partly because I am not in 
spirits for company^ and partly that I might have time 
to write this letter. 

^^Tell Mary that I constantly pray for her; that I 
believe God ^^dll raise her up from the bed of sickness ; 
and that she will have to say^ ^ It was good for me that I 
was afflicted.'' How intensely I long to hear from you 
again ! May God bless and sustain my beloved wife ! and 
m.ay the God of our mercies undertake for us, and be a 
very present help in time of need V 

The mind of Mr. Newton was not kept long in this 
state of trembling suspense respecting his beloved daughter. 
The fever assumed the form of typhus^ and so soon com- 
pleted its ravages^ that her spirit had fled when he sat 
down to write this letter. In the course of a few brief 
hours inteUigence of her departure was communicated to 
his friend Dr. Buntings with a request that the sad fact 
might be made known to the anxious fatlier in a manner 
that would be the least likely to shock his feelings. It 
was deemed advisable that a few of the senior Ministers, 
with whom he had long been acquainted^ should ask him 
to leave his desk in the Conference^ and retire with them 
into the vestry of the City-road chapel ; and there the fact 
was disclosed to him. The writer of this narrative was 
present^ and witnessed the affecting scene. The manly 
countenance of the bereaved father fell ; the tears started 
into his eyes ; and his first utterance was a devout acknow- 
ledgment of the hand of God in the events and of meek 
submission to His will. To say that — 

" He thought as a sage^ while he felt as a man," 



REV. KOBEUT XEAVTOX^ D.D. 



245 



would convey a verv imperfect conception of his charac- 
ter in this sad emergency. He felt as a tender father^ 
who was bereaved of a beloved child ; and he thought 
as a man who was accustomed to see and confess the hand 
of God in every event and his entire demeanour' pre- 
sented a perfect comment upon the words of the inspired 
Psalmist : I was dumb; I opened not my mouth ; because 
Thou didst it.'' 

He immediatelv left the Conference, and hastened to his 
home, which had now become a house of mourning.'" He 
wept with the other members of his family ; and while he 
comforted them, he obtained consolation himself. In his 
small interleaved almanack, he briefly notes the day in 
which Ins dear Mary Anne went to heaven adding the 
prayer, ^^0 God, sanctify this stroke!'' and the touching 
memorandum, My dear Mary Anne's mortal remains 
were entombed in sure and certain hope of eteriial hfe 
through Jesus Christ." 

These references to the endless happiness of the deceased 
were not the mere dictates of a fatherly affection. For 
seven years she had known the Lord as the God of her 
salvation, having sought and found redemption through 
the sacrificial blood of Clnist, the forgiveness of sins, and 
been a blameless and upright member of the Connezdon in 
which her father was a ]^\Iinister. Her mental endowments 
were of a high order^ and her disposition amiable and 
obhging ; so that she was a great favourite in the family^ 
and her removal was felt to be no common loss. She had 
attained to the age of twenty-seven years, and had given 
ample proof of her rehgious and moral worth. Her spirit 
was eminently cathohc ; and she had a deep comdction 
of the importance of mutual confidence^ esteem^ and 

Y 3 



246 



LIFE OE THE 



affection among tlie various denominations of professed 
Christians. 

After the funeral^ Mr. Newton went to Edgworth^ near 
Bohon^ in Lancashire^ the residence of his daughter 
Eebecca^ where he preached twice^ in a state of high and 
holy excitemxcnt^ feeling a special nearness to the spiritual 
and eternal worlds into which one who was so tenderly- 
allied to him had just entered. Then^ after the lapse of a 
day or two^ he returned to London^ as he expresses it^ to 
enter on my duties and toils adding^ '^May I be a 
holier man^ and a better Minister of Jesus Christ V On 
his return to the Conference he addressed the foUowino; 
letter to Mrs. Newton : — 

" I arrived here in safety the last evening. Dr. Bunting 
was waiting for me at Mr. Perkinses. His welcome was 
most affectionate and brotherly. My reception this morn- 
ing by the Conference was beyond what language can 
express. TVliat am 0 Lord God^ or what my father^s 
house^ that I shoidd have such an interest^ and my 
family such an interest^ in the sympathies and prayers 
of so many of the Ministers of Jesus Christ? I need 
not tell you what were my reflections generally on the 
railway. 

This day^ at noon^ Dr. Steinkopff^ and Dr. Sydow^ 
Chaplain to the King of Prussia^ were introduced to the 
Conference. Their speeches were marked by piety^ sim- 
plicity^ and brotherly affection. AYesleyan Methodism is 
evidently exerting a very salutary influence in Germany. 
0^ I thought, if dear Mary Anne could have been presents, 
to hear the expressions which were uttered on the subject 
of unity and brotherly love^ and its importance among the 
different sections of the Christian churchy how would it 



HEY. BOBEUT ^'E^0^', D.B. 



247 



have gladdened her heart ! But no : she is hniaoveably 
fixed m a world of light and love. 

^^Last evening flftv-two young men were set apart by 
the imposition of hands. It was a solenin occasion. Dr. 
Sydow returned to the evening service. He was greatly 
affected^ and took notes of what passed. He had displeased 
the King by a sermon on spiritual religion. He sent a 
defence of it to His Majesty^ by which he was so impressed 
that he deshed to hear the Doctor again on the same 
subject; after which he invited the Doctor to dine with 
him. Several of Mr. TTesle/s sermons have been translated 
into German. A great deal more on the same subjects 
you may expect to hear when I see you."'^ 

A few days after Mr. Xewton had returned to the Con- 
ference^ he sustained the loss of one of his grandchildren^, 
the lovely son of his daughter Carohne^ the wife of Mr. 
Gill^ attorney^ at Easingwold ; to whom he addressed the 
following Christian letter : — 

My deap. Egbeet axd Carolixe^ — 

I HAVE just received from my dear wife the informa- 
tion that dear Bailey is also gone to a better world. How 
seldom does one breach of the kind come alone ! Little did 
dear ]\[ary Anne and Bailey think^ when they parted at Eas- 
ingwold so lately^ that they so soon should meet in heaven. 
I rejoice to hear that the child had such thoughts and 
feehngs respecting sin^ and the salvation of Jesus Christ. 
Doubtless it was the abundant grace in Christ Jesus 
that was preparing him for the inheritance of the 
saints in hglit. ^\Te and you must bow down to the 
will of God. He does all things well ; and what we 
know not now, we shall know hereafter. May the great 



248 



LIFE OE THE 



end be answered! May we all become more lioly and 
useful ! 

I have resumed my arduous duties liere^ amid the kind 
sympathies and prayers of my brethren. 

Of dear Mary Anne^s everlasting happiness I have not 
the shadow of a doubt. She is for ever safe and happy. 

I think if Caroline^ or you both^ could spare a few 
days to visit us or Liverpool^ it would be for your good 
every way. 

Mr. Eattenbury preached for me in the City-road 
chapel last nighty to an overflowing congregation. His 
text waSj ^ And so shall we ever be with the Lord.'' It 
was a time to be remembered. 

I tried to preach yesterday week at Edgworth^, where 
dear Eebecca is^ beyond Bolton. I went there to try to 
console her. I was raised above all earthly considerations. 
jSTever did I see a congregation so much affected. How 
little is this world ! How unspeakably valuable is religion ! 
God bless and comfort you both ! 

Two days later he thus addressed Mrs. Xewton : — I 
have just received your very welcome letter^ informing me 
of your safe arrival at Edg worthy where I know you will be 
refreshed in body and mind ; and you will rejoice with me 
to find dear Eebecca so graciously supported ; and that our 
dear Caroline is so raised above all eartlily things/and has 
such strong consolation^ is a loud call on our gratitude 
to God. I have now a sweetness in reflecting on the life^ 
deaths and present glorious and happy state of our dear 
Mary Anne. I can say^ and you can say^ ^ Eather^ Thy 
will be done.' you^ and all our family, have been and 
are prayed for by the Conference. May we duly estimate 



HEY. EOBEUT ^'EWTOX^ D.D. 



249 



tlie value of tins privilege ! I wrote to Eobert and Caroline 
on the receipt of your former letter. May God^ for Chiist's 
sake^ sanctify to tliem and us all the recent dispensations 
of His providence towards us ! Surely we shall all derive 
some real benefit from what has taken place ; think less of 
earth, and more of heaven. 

I have had the deep sympathy of Mr. Eattenbury^ 
Mr. Ku'k_, Mr. Galland^ and especially of Mr. Alfred 
Barrett. He will write to you. Good Bishop Soule 
expressed his condolence in the most afi'ectionate manner. 
He commxands the respect of all. He is now in the act 
of delivering his official address to the Conference^ and 
has tendered the sincere and cordial thanks of the whole 
Methodist Episcopal Church in America for the visit of 
your husband to that country; adding^ that in me they 
had seen a pure^ and he might say a perfect^ exhibition of 
primitive AYesleyan i\Iethodism. Would that it had been 
much more perfect ! It is^ however^ something to receive 
the approval and gratitude of four or five thousand 
Ministers^ and nearly one million of church-members. 
President Durbin and the Piev. J. Sewell (a charming 
young man) are also with us. 

^^I have not attempted to preach since I came here. 
Peter and Rebecca will tell you how I got through at 
Edgworth. 

"I read to the Conference last evening a long address 
from the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland 
to our Conference^ greeting us as a part of the holy 
apostolic church of Christy and asking our prayers. How 
astonishing are these things ! and how would tiiey have 
dehghted dear Mary Anne ! May we obtain mercy of 
the Lord to be faithful V 



250 



LIFE OF THE 



When tlie Conference had concluded its business^ Mr. 
Newton returned to his home at Eose-Bank^ Cheetham- 
Hillj but^ as he observes in his small almanack^ he felt 
that one rose was removed to bloom in paradise/^ Yet 
he had no time to spend in melancholy reflections and 
gloomy solitude. His pubhc services were in universal 
demand; and instead of wasting his time in unavailing 
regrets^ because of the vacancy which he could not but 
observe in his family circle^ he resumed his gigantic 
labours^ travelling east and west^ north and souths 
with the Gospel message; anxious to fulfil his allotted 
task of duty^ and thus prepare to follow his glori- 
fied child to the regions of peace and love. This 
was the truest respect that he could show to her 
memory. 

" He moui'ns the dead, who lives as they desire." 

During the months of autumn and winter he spent 
his Sundays in his ovvn Circuity as usual ; and on the 
week-days he visited Yorkshire^ Derbyshire^ Lincolnshire^ 
Leicestershire^ Warwickshire^ Staffordsliire^ Nottingham- 
shire^ Oxfordshire^ Middlesex^ Berkshire,, and Cheshire. 
In the month of April he visited the Channel Islands; 
attended the Anniversary of the Wesleyan Missionary 
Society in London, in the beginning of May; after which 
he visited Scotland, met the Irish Preachers at their 
Conference in BeKast, and then discharged the duties 
of Secretary at the English Conference, which was held 
in the town of Sheffield. A few brief selections from 
his letters addressed to Mrs. Newton, and other members 
of his family, will show the rapidity of his movements, 
the efficiency of his ministrations, and the spirit of holy 



REV. EOBEET KEWTOX^ D.D. 



251 



clieerfulness and zeal witli ^hicli lie passed tlirough his 
arduous labours : — 

Guernsey, Apil IhtJi, 1843. 
The providence of God lias brought me here 
in safety, and in perfect health : to Him be the 
praise ! I preached at Walsall in the evening of the 
day I left you. The next morning, about six o^ clock, 
I set off by the railway for Birmingham; and after 
waiting there about an hour, I started for the Broms- 
gTove station; there I was met by a conveyance, 
which took me to Eedditch, where I preaclied in the 
morning and evening at the opening of the new cha- 
pel. The collection amounted to seventy-three pounds. 
On the Wednesday morning I rose soon after four o'clock, 
and went by the railway to Cheltenham ; thence by coach 
to Cirencester ; thence by the railway to the Swindon 
station; and then by the Great Western to Bath, where 
I preached that night to a crowded congregation. On 
Thursday, by forced marches, I got to Newbury, where 
I preached twice; and yesterday came in a gig over 
the Hampshire hills, covered with snow, arrived at the 
Andover-road station, in time for a down-train to South- 
ampton, in the suburbs of w^hich I opened a beautiful 
chapel at a place called Shirley. I preached at eleven 
0^ clock and tliree, and then took a cup of tea, and went 
on board the ^Atalanta^ steamer for Guernsey. We left 
Southampton at seven o^ clock in .the evening, and landed 
here at a quarter past six this morning, — a distance of 
one hundred and twenty miles. I am thankful to say 
I am as good a sailor as ever, not having any tendency 
to sea-sickness. 



252 LIFE OP THE 

t 

The approach to these islands is beautiful ; the hedges 
and fruit-trees being in broad leaf. The cherry-trees are 
in full bloom. i 

^^I find that I must work for the French^. as well as 
for the English^ while I am here. I am the guest of 
Mr. Bishop^ in a lovely situation^ a mile out of the town. 
One would almost imagine that the curse had not fallen 
on these islands^ or that Paradise is here regained. 

I deeply and humblingly feel the responsibility of my 
deputation here. Such marvellous things have been said 
of me^ that I know not what expectations have been raised. 
The good Lord be my helper ! I know you will pray 
for me.''^ 

On his arrival in London he thus addressed his daughter 
Rebecca : — I cannot tell you what I felt when in Jersey 
I received a letter from your dear mother^ saying that the 
Lord had taken your sweet babe to Himself. Your hus- 
band and you will feel as you never felt before. But we 
must all remember that what the Lord does is right and 
good. You know our first child was taken to heaven. 
Dear Caroline has had the same trial; and we had our 
dear Mary Anne taken from us in her youthful bloom. 
These are additional and strong ties to the heavenly world. 
May we all be ready to follow whenever our Lord shall call ! 
I reflect with pure delight on the fact^ that I dedicated 
your httle darling to the Lord in holy baptism ; and you 
will not forget the words of Jesus Christy ^ Of such is the 
kingdom of heaven."* I rejoice that you and Peter bear 
the stroke with meek submission to the will of God. 

I have been much gratified with the lovely scenery of 
the islands of Guernsey and Jersey. I have worked hard 



REV. ROBEUT NEWTON^ D.D. 



253 



both for the Enghsh and French. The people showed rne 
no small kindness. 

I was rejoiced to find many of the spiritual children 
of my brother John in the islands. He travelled there 
three years. 

I hope we shall have a good meeting at Exeter-Hall. 
May God bless my dear Eebecca and her husband ! and 
may they have many happy years together ! 

To Mrs. Newton he writes from Edinburgh^ on his w^ay 
to Ireland : — I am yet in this modern Athens^ where I 
preached twice on the Sabbath-day. The chapel was filled^ 
as it is called here^ at noon^ and crowded in the evening. 
I am told that we had not only members of the Kirk^ but 
some of the first law-officers and professors. The Ministers 
of the Eree Kirk have otfered me a commission for six 
months^ to preach for them through the cities and towns 
of Scotland. The noble-minded men have given up manse^ 
glebe^ stipend^ kirk, and the honour of an Establishment, 
for truth and purity. Surely God will bless them. 

" This evening I preach again in the Nicolson-square 
chapel for Missions. The heads of houses are again 
expected. The Lord be my helper ! 0 that the favour 
which my blessed Master is pleased to give me in the eyes 
of the people, may be sanctified, and improved to His 
glory and the profit of many ! 

^^I was affected last night at Dalkeith, when a lady 
came to speak to me in tears, saying, she remembered me well 
in Ayr, forty years ago. She told some friends who were 
looking on, that you and I were so happy in each other, 
and in our God, that we submitted, without a murmuring 
word, to our homely lodgings. She then introduced one 
of her daughters, a grown-up young lady. The mother 

z 



254 



LIFE OP THE 



was only twelve years of age when we were at Ayr. Wliat 
is our life ! We are far on in our momentous journey/^ 

Edinburgh^ June 15tli. — Last Monday I preached in 
our old kirk at Dalkeith in the evening; and in the 
following evening I preached here to a most interesting 
congregation. Many of the Ministers of different kirks 
followed me into the vestry^ among whom was the Eev, 
Mr. Brown^ of Dalkeith^ saying that Dr. Wardlaw^ of 
Glasgow, had been pubhshed to preach one of the fast-day 
sermons in his kirk ; and that he had been suddenly called 
to London, to preach a funeral sermon on occasion of the 
death of Dr. Metcher. And what think you ? He and 
his Elders had agreed that I must be respectfully and 
earnestly entreated to take Dr. Wardlaw^s place. What 
a change there is in the public sentiment of this country ! 
I went in the name of the Lord, and preached in the full 
costume of the Scottish Minister, with great freedom, on 
Luke xxiv. 46, 47. I had to hasten back to the Mis- 
sionary Meeting here in the evening. Dr. Hannah took 
the chair ; the attendance was large ; and two Ministers of 
the Free Church, Messrs. Begg and Guthrie, attended.''^ 

" Dublin, June 20th. — After a safe voyage from Glas- 
gow, I arrived in this city on Saturday afternoon. The 
President, fatigued, went home from Scotland, and I had 
to preach for him on Sunday evening. Two hundred 
pounds was the amount of the collection. We had Mem- 
bers of Parliament and three Judges among our auditors. 
We had a public breakfast under the splendid new chapel 
yesterday morning, at which five hundred and nineteen 
persons were present. I was called to give out the hymn, 
read the Scriptures, pray, and address the assembly. To- 
morrow I am to preach again in the Centenary chapel. 



EEV. EGBERT NEWTON^ D.D. 



255 



I liave been told many of the literati intend to be present. 
The Lord enable me to be faithful ! 

On Thursday mornings at six o^ clocks I am to set off 
by coach for Belfast. I see by the Irish Conference-Plan, 
that I am appointed to preach to the Conference on Friday 
evening, and to the people in the morning and evening of 
Sunday. I ought to have had previous information of the 
special service ; but the Irish brethren seem to think that 
I am a servant of all work, and am always ready.''^ 

After his arrival in Sheffield, where he attended the 
meetings of Committees, preparatory to the holding of the 
English Conference, he again addressed Mrs. Newton : 
The meetings of the Committees have been marked with 
good and pious feeling, and I earnestly hope that we shaU. 
have a good Conference. We are likely to have an increase 
in our Societies, at home and abroad, in nearly equal 
proportions, of eight thousand members. Blessed be God ! 

A steamer has been wrecked ; and a young man, from 
Scotland, who was recommended for our ministry, is among 
the sufferers. "What a gracious and special Providence has 
preserved your unworthy husband, by sea and land, all 
these years ! 

I feel intensely concerned for Prank. The Lord direct 
his way ! It is now forty-four years since I received 
orders to leave my father^s house ; and in a few weeks it 
will be forty-one years since we svere made one. How 
many blessings have we received ! and if life with us has 
not been all sunshine, may every bitter blast be sanctified ! 
We have not long to live in this world. May all that are 
dear to us live together in heaven 

At the Conference of this year, 1843, which was held 
under the presidency of the Rev. John Scott, Mr. Newton 

z 2 



256 



LIFE OP THE 



was again called to tlie office of Secretary. He did not at 
tliis time appear in a new character^ for he was the same 
cheerful^ laborious^ and faithful Methodist Preacher that he 
had been from the commencement of his ministry : the 
only difference was^ that his talents were vastly improved^ 
and his graces greatly mellowed. But from this time he 
bore a new title ; the Wesleyan University of Middletown^ 
in America^ having conferred upon him the honourable 
degree of Doctor of Divinity. In no instance was this 
distinction ever more justly merited^ or more appropriately 
bestowed. 

The term doctor was formerly used in England in the 
sense of teacher.''^ In the Enghsh version of the Holy 
Scriptures which was published at Eheims^ in the year 
1582^ Ephesians iv. 11 is thus rendered : And He gave 
some Apostles^ and some Prophets^ and othersome Evange- 
lists^ and othersome Pastors and Doctoes/^ The Greek 
term vofiohihacTKokoi, which literally signifies teachers of 
the law/^ or law-teachers/^ is_, in the Authorized Version 
of the English Bible^ rendered "Doctors of the law;^^ 
(Luke V. 17 ;) and GamaHel^ who belonged to this class of 
persons in the Jewish Churchy is denominated " a Doctou 
of the law.''^ (Acts v. 34.) In one of the Collects which are 
used in the ordination of Priests in the Church of England^ 
it is said that our Lord Jesus Christy " after He had made 
perfect our redemption by His deaths and was ascended 
into heaven^ sent abroad intq the world His Apostles^ 
Prophets, Evangehsts^ Doctors^ and Pastors/^ If the 
term be understood in this sense^ then the title " Doctor 
of Divinity could not be more correctly applied to any 
man than to Eobert Newton ; for certainly no man^ of any 
age or nation^ ever taught divinity upon a more extensive 



HEV. ROBERT NEWTOy^ D.D. 



257 



scale than he. It may be safely said that^ for thirty or 
forty years of liis life^ he addressed not less than from fifty 
to one hundred tliousand people annually on the great 
principles of Divine truth. 

Equally just is the title Doctor of Divinity as apphed 
to him^ if the term doctor be understood to denote 
proficiency in the knowledge of divinity ; for certainly his 
acquaintance with that holy science was both accurate and 
comprehensive^ as his diversified and powerful ministry 
demonstrated. His sermons^ from year to year^ were a 
perfect embodiment of the entire system of Christian truths 
doctrinally^ experimentally, and practically considered, 
as that truth is generally understood by Protestant 
communities. 

Yet this title^ honourable as it is, produced no change 
either in liis spirit, or the public estimation. The multi- 
tudes of people that attended his ministry had such a con- 
\dction both of his intellectual power and his moral worth, 
that they would scarcely have thought more higlily of him, 
had all the learned bodies in existence conferred upon him 
similar marks of distinction. And as to himself, he was 
to the end of his life the same humble, modest, unassum- 
ing, unaffected Minister of Christ, that he had ever been. 
Like his Lord, he affected not high things, and was intent 
only upon the fulfilment of his great commission. He had 
too deep a consciousness of the responsibilities under 
which he lay, to cherish a spirit of self-conceit ; and the 
name by which he was generally known was that of plain 
^'Robert Newton.'' 



z 3 



258 



LII^E OF THE 



CHAPTER XIII. 

"When the Conference of 1843 was concluded^ Dr. 
Newton immediately resumed tlie extraordinary course of 
ministerial labour to which he had long been accustomed; 
but to trace that course from year to year, in all its details, 
would be to extend this narrative far beyond the prescribed 
bounds. Suffice it to say that his willingness to labour 
was unimpaired, the demand upon his services was as 
urgent as ever, and his popularity rather increased than 
diminished. After attending the Anniversary of the Wes- 
leyan Missionary Society in London, at the beginning of the 
following May, he visited Bristol; and, under the date of 
May 6th, 1844, thus addresses Mrs. Newton : — 

^^The densely-crowded congregations in the City-road 
and Islington chapels, and the cheering in Exeter-Hall, 
greatly affected and humbled me. What am I, that my 
gracious Master is pleased to give me such favour in the 
sight of His people ? May I obtain mercy of the Lord to 
be faithful ! Our meeting was more decidedly religious 
than some former meetings have been. 

^^My old friend Mrs. W^ood is sinking very fast. I 
question whether I shall ever see her again. JFe are 
following on ; and, if we be spared a few years longer, must 
sink under the weight of age. The Lord help us all to 
live for a better world ! 

" I preach here this evening, and then go to London in 
the morning. Wednesday, the 8th, is the time at which I 
am to preach before the London Missionary Society. You 
win not forget your husband w/ien it is the best to be 



EEY. EOBEUT ^*EWTOy, D.D. 



259 



remembered that morning. I believe the Lord ^-ill be 
with His unworthy servant/'' 

He fulfilled the service to which reference is here made^ 
by preachings with his usual ability and earnestness^ in the 
Surrey chapel^ before a crowded assembly. The subject of 
his sermon was the nature and extent of the apostolical com- 
mission^ from Luke xxiv. 46^ 47. It afforded him a high 
gratification to meet the friends of Clirist whose views on 
some points of doctrine and of church-order were different 
from his own^ and thus pubhcly declare that with respect 
to the substance of the Gospel, and the duty of Christians 
to make it known to all nations, he was one with them in 
mind and heart. An elderly lady in the congregation, who 
had been taus^ht to re2:ard an Arminian as an embodi- 
ment of all that is erroneous in opinion and perverse in 
character, no sooner saw the Doctor ascend the pulpit in 
Mr. Sherman^s gown, — in which his appearance was emi- 
nently graceful and noble, — than she showed her readiness 
to receive more favourable impressions, by exclaiming, 
^^Lo, what a beauty V 

A few weeks afterwards, when he was on his way to 
Scotland, he attended a Missionary Meeting at Pocklington, 
where his \asits were always welcome, and where a few 
individuals still remained that remembered him as a youth- 
ful Evangehst, w]io had just left his father^s house. He 
says : How many recollections were re^dved ! Little did 
I expect, when I first arrived there, that I should be in 
the same place again after the lapse of nearly forty-five 
years ."'^ 

It was probably on tliis occasion that a singular inci- 
dent occurred with respect to an aged man belonging to 
the Pockhngton Circuit, to whom reference has already 



260 



LIEE OF THE 



been made. John Hart, of Thornton^ wlio was far ad- 
vanced in life, and very infirm, expressed an earnest desire 
to be conveyed to Pocklington, that he might once more 
see and hear Eobert Newton, whom he had known, and 
counselled, and encouraged, as a young Preacher, but who 
was now a Doctor of Divinity, and one of the most popular 
public speakers in England. His request was complied 
with ; a conveyance was provided ; and, lest he should be 
incommoded by the crowd in the chapel, he was placed in 
the pulpit. In the course of his address Dr. Newton 
referred to the early years of his ministry, and to the fact, 
that he had once consulted John Hart on the subject of 
resigning his charge in the Circuit, when John uttered the 
significant declaration, You daee not.''^ The Doctor then 
said, I wonder whether John Hart is alive or not ; 
and John, who was deeply interested in the statement, 
responded, with a shrill and tremulous voice, and in his 
own native idiom, I is here. Sir."''' The scene which 
immediately followed this disclosure, and the feeling which 
was excited both in the Doctor and the devout peasant, 
and in the meeting generally, may be more easily conceived 
than described. Let not ambition mock at facts of 
this kind, nor grandeur hear ^' the recital of them with 
a disdainful smile.''^ They involve principles which are too 
deep for even philosophy to fathom. It is possible that 
the three pithy words, You daee not,^^ were a means 
in the hand of God of preventing the young Evangehst, 
in the hour of temptation and discouragement, from leaving 
his Circuit-work, and from returning to his farming occu- 
pations ; and if so, then the hundreds of sinners who were 
turned to righteousness by his preaching in subsequent 
years, and the tens of thousands of people who were in- 



HEV. EOBEllT NEWON, D.D. 



261 



structed and edified by his ministry^ owe a debt of gratitude 
to John Hart which they can never fully repay ; and Dr. 
Newton himself^ while through eternity he reaps the fruit 
of his faitliful labours,, will bless God for the words which 
were so seasonably spoken by a plain unlettered man. It 
is possible that they may be remembered and repeated with 
thankfulness to God millions of ages hence. 

Having paid his annual visit to Scotland^ and to the 
Irish Conference, and in both cases left a blessing behind 
him. Dr. Newton repaired to the English Conference, 
which was held this year in Birmingham, under the presi- 
dency of his friend Dr. Bunting ; and he was again 
appointed to the laborious office of Secretary. He had 
now spent three years in the Manchester First Circuit, so 
that his removal was necessary; and Salford, which was 
now called the Second Manchester Circuit, vv^as made the 
place of his next destination. The following extract of a 
letter which he addressed to Mrs. Newton from the Con- 
ference, will show the feelings with which he contemplated 
his future appointment : — 

I greatly fear that nothing can at present be done for 
the pecuniary relief of the Salford chapel. It is a terrible 
case. I hope, however, that our going there may be of 
the Lord. Let us often pray that our appointment there 
may be a special blessing to us, and to the people. I 
cannot have many more stations. May I work while it is 
day ! How little is everything in this world without 
rehgion ! May this best portion be ours, both in life and 
death ! I am oppressed with invitations for extra service 
in this town and neighbourhood ; but my office is a 
defence. I cannot be a moment out of the Conference. 
The evening sitting has commenced, and I must conclude.''^ 



262 



LIFE OF THE 



Dining tlie tliree years whicli he spent in the Salford or 
Second Manchester Circuity the Eev. WiUiam B. Stephenson 
was his colleague^ as he had formerly been in the Liverpool 
North Circuit. To him we are indebted for the following 
interesting particulars respecting the Doctor : — A person 
who is no mean judge both of character and preaching 
often said^ after sitting under his ministry for five years^ 
that his sermons were always fresh^ and always rich in 
evangelical truth; so that those persons are greatly 
mistaken^ who suppose that liis ministry consisted only 
of a few favourite and well-studied discourses. His 
was not a stereotyped ministry ; but was varied^ rich^ and 
powerful^ and always attended by a gracious influence. 

A fact which came under my own observation I will 
take occasion to relate. It occurred when extraordniary 
efforts were made to redeem the Irwell-street chapel^ in 
Salford^ from its very serious pecuniary difficulties^ — an 
object which was accomplished chiefly through the influence 
of Dr. Newton. The Trustees and friends, aided bv the 
grant of one thousand pounds from the Chapel Eelief 
Fund, raised no less than six thousand three hundred 
pounds. Dr. Newton set apart an entire week for the 
purpose of calling upon families and indi\dduals to assist 
in this good work ; the only week in his ministerial life, 
as he confessed, in which he freed himself from all pulpit 
engagements, that he might solicit contributions for such 
an object. Never can I forget that week. "We were 
pledged to raise a thousand pounds, and every day we 
began our work soon after six o^ clock in the morning; 
and finished our service at noon on the Satuixlay, having 
received the sum of thirteen hundred pounds. 

On one of those days we called upon a family in 



HEY. EOBEET KEWTOX^ D.D. 



263 



comparatively humble life^ the heads of ^vhich had for 
many years lived in the fear of God. As soon as we 
entered into the house^ the good woman^ fixing her eyes 
upon Dr. iSewton^ clasped her hands^ and exclaimed^ 
^ Come in^ thou man of God ! 0 that such a man should 
come under my roof ! Still standing in this attitude^ as 
if unable to move^ she added^ ' 0, Dr. Newton, it is a 
pity that you should ever die ! ' He answered, ^ Well ; I 
trust I never shall ; for I have Hfe in Christ, and hope to 
Hve for ever.'' ^ 0 yes/ said she, being now partly relieved 
by a flood of tears; ^but I mean it is a pity that you 
should ever go out of this world."' The sequel vrill 
explain the cause of her emotion. ^ 0, Doctor,'' said she, 
^ it is now more than thirty years since I first heard you 
preach ; and under your ministry I was converted and 
saved; and this is the first time I ever spoke to you. I 
thank God that I ever saw you."* The scene was deeply 
affecting, and the prayer which the Doctor offered up 
before we left the house was singularly copious and 
powerful. 

Another incident I will mention. During his resi- 
dence at Salford, he one day received a letter from an 
unexpected quarter, containing severe and cruel reflec- 
tions upon him on account of his fidelity to the Confer- 
ence, of which he was the Secretary, and to the Methodist 
discipline and order, wliich he was pledged to uphold. 
When he read this letter, which contained unjust reflec- 
tions upon his motives and character, he was much 
afl'ected, and coidd not refrain from tears ; saying,^! 
did not think that any man could have said this of 
Robert Newton.^ I said to him, ^Surely, after this. 
Doctor, you will never again visit the place from which 



264 



LIFE OF THE 



this communication comes ?^ ^Yes/ he replied^ shall. 
Por the work in which I am engaged is the work of 
the Master; and He has never offended me^ whatever 
the servants may have done. However they may speak 
and act^ He is a good Master still.'* Such was the spirit 
of Robert Newton.''^ 

About this time he succeeded in defeating an impudent 
attempt that was made to disturb a Missionary Meeting 
in the Irwell-street chapel. 

A miserable woman^ of the name of Mrs. Martin, 
was going about the country, delivering lectures in 
favour of what was popularly called Socialism that 
is, of atheism in theory, and licentiousness in prac- 
tice. She had come to Manchester, where several of 
the working-classes, who did not like to retain God in 
their thoughts, paid the sum of twopence an evening 
to hear her vile harangues against all religion, and 
even moral government. To obtain further notoriety, it 
was arranged that she, accompanied by her ungodly parti- 
sans, should attend the Missionary Meeting which, accord- 
ing to public announcement, was to be held in the Me- 
thodist chapel, Salford. Accordingly, when the meeting 
assembled, she and her accomplices took their places toge- 
ther in the gallery. While the business of the meeting 
was in progress, she arose, and demanded a hearing in 
opposition, not only to Christianity, but to all religion; 
when, of course, great confusion prevailed; her friends 
requiring that she should be heard, and others declaring 
that she should not. 

Mr. Newton, who was on the platform, rose in all the 
confidence of truth and righteousness, and, in the full force 
of his trumpet-voice, exclaimed, And is it come to this ? 



TvEY. EOBEET NEWTOX^ D.D. 



263 



Is it come to this ? tliat in tliis Christian country a com- 
pany of Chiistian people cannot meet in one of their ovrn 
places of worship^ which their 0"^i hands have reared^ for 
the pui'pose of devising means for sending the Gospel to 
the Heathen^ but they must meet with an unseemly inter- 
ruption like the present ? An interruption by whom ? By 
a woman^ whose modesty ought to have restramed her from 
such an outra2:e. One of the aTeatest men that ever lived 
was St. Paul; and he has said^ ^Let your women keep 
silence in the churches : for it is not permitted unto them 
to speak ; but they are commanded to be under obe- 
dience^ as also saith the law. And if they will learn any 
things let them ask their husbands at home : for it is 
a shame for women to speak in the church."' I should 
like to know what kind of respect t/iat woman pays to 
her husband ; and who takes care of her children^ while 
she is gadding about the country_, endeavouring to cor- 
rupt the principles and practice of all to whom she can 
gain access.''^ 

In this addi'ess he was supported by the cheers of the^ 
meeting ; and during the delivery of it the woman sank 
down in the pew^ and covered her face : when a workman 
exclaimed^ in the broad Lancasliire dialect^ Xewton has 
shot the Martin;^'' and another responded^ I will hear 
that fellow preach."'^ 

Mr. jS'ewton then stated that the meeting had been con- 
vened for a specific purpose^ and from that pm'pose they 
would not depart; but they were neither ashamed to avow 
then- behef of the Gospel^ nor to meet its adversaries. He 
gave his address^ and invited any persons who had doubts 
respecting the momentous question which had just been 
mooted; to ^dsit him^ pledging himself kindly to hear their 

A A 



266 



LirE OP THE 



objections^ and to give tlie reasons T\-liicli satisfied liis own 
mind that the Gospel is the very truth of God. 

He then spoke on the subject of Missions to the Hea- 
then^ their nature and purpose^ and the benefits which had 
resulted from them ; appealing to the people for the 
truth of his statements^ and to their liberality and kind- 
ness in support of the good cause ; reminding all present 
that they had free access to the meetings and that no two- 
pence had been demanded of any one. The consequence 
was a handsome collection ; and^ in the course of a short 
time^ a working-man called at Mr. J^'ewton^'s house^ saying 
that he had accepted the imitation which was given at the 
Missionary Meetings his faith in the Gospel having been 
shaken^ and his mind being ill at rest in a state of doubt 
and uncertainty. Mr. Xewton hstened to the man^s case^ 
and then gave him such a A^ew of the Gospel^ its nature^ 
e^ddences^ and benefits,, that the relentings of the poor man 
were kindled ; he began to pray^ and to read his Bible ; 
the truth beamed upon his mind^ in its own clear and 
heavenly light ; he joined the Methodist Society^ believed 
with the heart unto righteousness^ and became a new man 
in Christ Jesus. 

During the three years in which Dr. Newton was 
ofB.cially connected with the Salford Circuit, he was 
annually elected as the Secretary of the British Con- 
ference; he lent his efficient services at the Anniversary 
of the "Wesleyan Missionary Society in London, and 
attended every Conference in Ireland; and on the week- 
days he travelled through the kingdom, attending Mis- 
sionary Meetings, preacliing in behalf of the trust-funds 
of chapels, both in winter and summer, not reserving 
for himself, j6:om year to year, a single day for retire- 



HEY. ROBEET :N'EWTOy^ D.D. 



2G7 



ment and leisure; serving his own Circnit on the Lord's 
day^ so as to commend himself to every man^s conscience 
in the sight of God. A few brief extracts from his 
letters will show that in passing tlnrough this wonderful 
course of labour his zeal never languished^ and his spirit 
was as devout^ cheerful^ and buoyant as ever. To his 
kind friend^ Mrs. Perkins^ of Darhngton^ he Vv'rites^ under 
the date of March 8th^ 1815 : — 

Thank God^ we have some prosperity in this Circuit. 
One hundred and three persons were admitted into our 
Society on trials fifty into full membership^ in the last 
quarter. But we hope to see greater tilings than these. 
Personal holiness is higlily needful^ in order to public 
usefulness. May the Spirit of holiness be shed forth 
upon us in larger and richer effusions ! To receive and 
give^ to get and to do good^ are the only things that 
are worth living for in this world: and it will be our 
own fault if we do not thus live. As we know not 
what shall be on the morrow^ notv is the day; and we 
are commissioned to say, ^Come; for all things are notv 
ready 

The following lines, which he addressed to the same 
valued friend, only a few days afterwards, will show the 
kind of correspondence in which he was almost daily 
employed : — I have carefully examined my engagements 
up to the time of the Irish Conference, and only find 
one day at liberty; that is, Tuesday, April 21st; and 
I fear that will be too early for your purpose. You 
can name it to Mr. Hunt; and if he think it will do, 
either he or you will inform me. Several other places 
want that day. Our Missionary Society is out of 
debt. Thank God. It is, however, one thing to get 

2 A 2 



26S 



LIFE OF THE 



out of debt^ and anotlier to keep out. The Lord be 
witli you ! 

To Robert Townend^ Esq.^ of Mancbester^ be tbus 
\vrites from tbe Bristol Conference of 1846: — Several 
venerable and senior JJinisters are retiring from Circuit 
T7ork; especially Messrs. Eeece^ France^ and Maximilian 
"Wilson. This to me is very admonitory, as all of them, 
with the exception of Mr. Eeece, are my juniors on the 
list. 0 that I may work while it is day ! for the mortal 
story will soon be ended. But, though we expect to die, 
we also expect to live ; and to hve where there is no more 
death. 

^^The young men who have finished their probation 
gave noble testimonies before a large congregation on 
Monday evening. Thank God, our people will not have 
to sit under an unconverted Ministry. "We have just 
returned from the ordination service this morning. It 
was a very solemn, and I hope profitable, season, including 
the imposition of hands, the charge, and the Lord^s 
supper. Multitudes there were who could not gain 
admittance into the chapel; so that a brother preached 
in the open air. How true it is, that we are now deciding 
what shall be in the future world! The gracious Lord 
direct us in all things ! If you see any of my family, 
tell them I am well, and that hard work agrees with me. 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all V 

To Miss Drummond, of Edinburgh, who so kindly 
nursed him many years before, when he was dangerously 
ill in that city, he thus writes from Dundee, under the 
date of October 20th: — ^^Here I am, seventy miles back 
again, to attend the Missionary Meeting this evening. 
I got safe to Aberdeen on Saturday night, between nine 



269 



and ten o^clock. TTe had a glorious day yesterday. Our 
own chapel was filled in the morning ; and in the eyening 
the largest Tree church in the city was full to oyerflo^-ing 
long before the hour. It was said two thousand persons 
were in the churchy and twice that number in the street 
who could not get admittance. I return to-morrow to 
the meeting in Aberdeen ; and suppose I must take the 
steamer for Z\ ewcastle on AVednesday noon. 

*'^And now^ my dear Miss Drummond^ permit me to 
thank you for your more than polite attention^ your 
Christian kindness^ to me wliile I was yom- guest. Xor 
can I forget the unaffected kindness of Miss Tucker and 
Miss rieming^ to whom I beg my Christian and aff'ec- 
tionate remembrance. The Lord be with you all V 

Among the unnumbered friends of Dr. Xewton whom 
he attached to himself by his personal urbanity^ and his 
zeal in the cause of Christy we must rank Mr. John 
Harrison^ of Gainford^ in the Darlington Circuity to 
whom we are indebted for the folloyang facts^ which 
place in a striking hght the diligence and self-denial 
of that faithful and laborious man. He says : Though 
the place of my birth^ where I spent the early years 
of my life^ was only about ten miles from Eoxby; I was 
not acquainted with Dr. Xewton till he began to attend 
Missionary Meetings at AYhitby^ and not intimately until 
Missionary Meetings were held in the Dales^ where we 
were frequently priyileged with his yaluable help. 

^''In the year 1S35 we remoyed to a farm near Guis- 
borough, in the Stokesley Circuit, where we had the 
pleasure of seeing him about twice a year, when he 
preached in behalf of the chapel or of the Missions. In 
the year 1851 we remoyed to Gainford^ where we again 

2 A 3 



270 



XIFE OF THE 



had tlie pleasure of two visits from him in a short time. 
Whenever he visited us he was present at the time 
appointed ; we had crowded congregations ; a hallowed 
influence attended his word^ both in public and private ; 
and he was a means of much spiritual good. 

"He generally left early in the morning, in order to 
avail himself of public conveyances ; and frequently said^ 
^If one feel drowsy, the best thing is to get on one^s 
feet immediately."' Sometimes he would say to my wife^ 

do not know w^here I shall be at dinner-time to-day; 
and will thank you for a little cold meat to take in my 
pocket.'^ Once, when a youth of mine w^ent to meet 
him at Stockton, knowing that it would be late before 
he could arrive at Guisborough, we packed a little cold 
meat in a basket for his use; and when my son told 
him what he had brought, the Doctor said, ^That is 
grand : I will eat it on the road.'' Having done this, 
he said, ' Now I have had a good dinner : you shall take 
yours, and I w^ill drive in the meanwhile."' 

"On the 8th of December, 1846, I met him at Middles- 
borough, on his way from Durham. He attended the 
Missionary Meeting at Guisborough in the afternoon, and 
preached in the evening. The day was wet; but in 
the course of the night the frost set in, accompanied by 
a tremendous storm of snow and hail. He rose at fom^ 
o^clock to meet the first train at Eedcar, a distance 
of eight miles. I said, ^ As it is so very dark, and the 
storm so high, surely you will not go ? ^ ^0 yes/ he 
emphatically replied. We had to face the storm, nearly 
all the way : in some places the snow was very deep, so 
that it was with difficulty we could get on. When we 
were within a short distance of the unfinished station^ 



HEY. ROBEUT KEWTON; D.D. 



271 



my mare was afraid to proceed^ the road being bad^ and 
the ice breaking under her feet. I got ont of the gig 
to lead her^ when my hat was blown off my head^ and 
carried to a considerable distance. I had no sooner 
recovered it than the Doctor^s hat suffered the same fate. 
When I had overtaken it^ and placed it again in his 
hands; he said^ ^ One would not be hired to undertake 
this work ; but^ as the old man said^ There is the cause,^ 
As soon as he had uttered these words^ we heard the 
engine starting ; when he exclaimed^ ^ 0 dear^ 0 dear ! 
what shall I do ?^ I said^ ^ Will not the ten clock train 
serve your purpose?^ To which he responded^ ^0 no!^ 
At that moment the engine was put back. He leaped 
out of the gig^ and climbed over the gate^ which he found 
to be fastened j the porter seized his luggage ; he took 
his seat in one of the carriages^ and was thus enabled 
to fulfil the engagements of the day/^ 

While he was thus putting forth all his strength in 
the ser\dce of his Lord^ and voluntarily submitting to 
hardships of this kind^ there were false brethren/^ as 
we shaR ere long have occasion to show^ who were at 
this very time secretly plotting how they might ruin his 
character^ and destroy his usefulness; envying him the 
popularity which his talents and services commanded. 

When he arrived in Dublin^ on the 21st of June in 
the following year^ to preach in behalf of the trust-funds 
of the chapel in Lower Abbey-street^ he thus addressed 
Mrs. Newton : — Here I am, in old Erin once more ; 
and, I thank God, in perfect health. My cough appears 
to have left me. 

The Messrs. Meek were very kind to me, in Wigan, 
in the evening of the day on which I left you. We had 



272 



LIFE OF THE 



a large congregation and a good collection. At Holywell 
I was the guest of a family of churcli-people^ and had 
every comfort that hospitality could afford. We had a 
good passage by dayhght^ from Liverpool to this city, on 
■ Saturday. 

^^The Abbey-street chapel w^as full yesterday at twelve 
and seven o^ clock. Judge Crampton was one of the 
collectors. Dr. Henry, President of the Government 
Board of Education, was one of my auditors at the noon 
service. The collection was within a few shilKngs of fifty 
pounds, notAvithstanding the starvation of this country. 
I am published to preach at Kingstown this evening, and 
sail from hence to Belfast to-morrow. I am quite sure 
the sea-air does me good."^^ 

From Belfast, he writes to her again, under the date 
of June 26th : — I think I never, in years that are for 
ever gone, recognised your handwriting with more pleasure 
than I did yesterday, when your letter was presented to 
me. I felt thankful for the art of putting thoughts and 
sentiments upon paper, and for the arrangements that are 
made in these lands for their rapid and safe transit.. 

To-morrow I am appointed to preach at eleven and 
seven o^ clock, in the large and beautiful chapel in this 
town ; and on Monday evening I have to preach and beg 
in the Trederick-street chapel. The Lord be my helper ! 

"This ill-fated country is in a sad condition. Nearly 
two thousand members of our Societies have fled to 
America, or more distant lands, and nearly one thousand 
have passed into eternity, during the past year. The 
work of death is still going on ; and the malignant 
distemper is increasing every day. May God in mercy 
arrest its progress, and sanctify the visitation ! 



EEY. ROBEUT XEWTON^ D.D. 273 

'^I tliarLk the Lord_, your old liusband is ^ell. He sleeps 
Trellj he eats well; and has scarcely coughed once since 
his arrival in old Erin. 

The Lord preserve us and our people in the simpHcity 
of truth and love ! The Lord be Tvith you all V' 

The British Conference was held tliis year^ 1847^ in 
Liverpool^ under the presidency of the Eev. Samuel 
Jackson; and Dr. Xewton was again appointed^ as its 
Secretary^ to record its doings. He thus writes to Mrs. 
ISTewton on the first day of its assembling : — I hope we 
shall have a good Conference. I am sure you will pray 
for this j and that your husband,, when some matters are 
brought forward^ may refrain even from good words. 

The opening this morning was solemn. The President 
called upon the venerable Mr. Eeece and your old husband 
to pray. AVe have had a pubhc prayer-meeting at twelve 
0^ clocks and have published for another special devotional 
ser\dce this evenings on account of the fever^ and the 
Parliamentary elections which are now going on. ^Te 
have not forgotten the special prayer- meeting which was 
held here in the time of the cholera^ when TTatson^ and 
Clarke, and Taylor prayed. Prom that day the plague 
was comparatively stayed. I know that you Vvdll approve 
of this arran2:ement.''^ 

The matters referred to in this letter, which he 
expected to be brought forward during the Conference, 
and in reference to which he asks the prayers of Mrs. 
Is ewton that the grace of forbearance might be vouchsafed 
to him, were doubtless certain anonj-mous pamphlets which 
were then extensively circulated by post, containing slan- 
derous attacks apon his character, and upon some of the 
most distinguished of his bretliren. These vile missives 



274 



LIFE OF THE 



contained the name of no printer ; they bore the post- 
marks of various towns^ that no clue might be obtained as 
to the authors ; yet the pamplilets themselves contained 
internal evidence^ strong and undeniable^ that one or more 
faithless Preachers were concerned in these deeds of sin 
and darkness. To control his temper under this base 
treatment^ and to set a watch before the door of his lips. 
Dr. Newton felt to be a sacred duty ; but considering the 
greatness of the provocation, he asked Divine aid, and he 
obtained it ; so that, like his Lord, when he was reviled, 
he reviled not again.''^ At this Conference the Wesleyan 
Ministers generally made an explicit and solemn disavowal 
of all participation in this foul conspiracy; but the real 
authors of the mischief shrank from this ordeal; yet no 
decisive measures were at that time taken to bring them 
and their doings to light. Some said, Judge notliing 
before the time;^^ but whether the forbearance which was then 
exercised towards these guilty men was the right course, 
may admit of a doubt. They regarded forbearance in the 
Conference as an indication of fear, and therefore grew more 
and more daring and vindictive. Mr. Fletcher^s expostula- 
tion with Walter Shirley and his party, on the occasion of 
their attack upon Mr. "Wesley, is strikingly applicable to 
Dr. Newton and his masked assailants : — " After amazing 
labours he flies still, with unwearied diligence, through the 
three kingdoms, calling sinners to repentance, and to the 
healing fountain of Jesus^s blood. Though oppressed with 
the weight of nearly seventy years, he shames still, by his 
unabated zeal and immense labours, all the young Ministers 
in England, perhaps in Christendom. As he begins the 
day, the week, the year, so he concludes them, still intent 
upon extensive services for the glory of the Redeemer, and 



EEY. EGBERT NEWTOX^ D.D. 



275 



the good of souls. And shall we lightly lift up our pens^ 
our tongues^ our liands^ against him ? If \Ye ^oill quarrel^ 
can we find nobodj to fall out with^ but the Minister upon 
whom God puts the greatest honour?''^ ^^0 Jesus of 
Nazareth^ Thou rejected of men^ Thou who wast once called 
a deceiver of the people^ suffer it not; lest the raging 
bear of persecution come suddenly out of the wood upon 
those sons of discord_, and tear them in pieces 

At this Conference Dr. Newton was appointed to the 
Stockport North Circuity where he met with a most 
welcome reception^ and laboured with his wonted dili- 
gence and fidelity for three years^ esteemed and honoured 
by a pious and loyal people^ who appreciated his worth 
and talents^ and deemed it a privilege to attend his 
ministry^ and to be placed under his pastoral care. They 
could always calculate upon his pulpit- services on the 
Sabbath-day; when he was absent from his Circuity 
serving the Connexion generally^ his place was supplied 
by an ef&cient substitute ; and at every opportunity 
they knew that they would be favoured with his counsel 
and sympathy. He entered upon the duties of his new 
appointment before the arrival of his family in Stockport^ 
and addressed Mrs. Newton and his daughters as follows^ 
on the 31st of August: — My beloved wife and children 
will be glad to hear that I am well^ and working hard^ 
though a homeless wanderer. I commenced my labours 
in my new parish on Sunday^ and had a very large 
congregation. I earnestly hope the right impression was 
made. Good care is taken of me at Mr. Marshall's^ 
where I arrived on Saturday evening. 



* Yindication of Mr. ^Yesley's Minutes, pp. 96, 97. Edit. 1773. 



276 



LIPE OP THE 



^^I opened tlie cliapel at Blowing Sands yesterday^ 
and preached at Blackpool in the evening. I have come 
by an early train to Manchester this morning. I \Yrit8 
this in Deansgate,, and mnst run up to Cheetham-Hill^ 
to see my old and faithful friend^ Mrs. Johnson^ before 
I set off for Haywood. She is very ill^ but happy in 
God. To-morrow I am to be at Huddersfield^ and at 
Haworth on Friday. I am engaged for Lytham on 
Monday evenings September 6th ; and must be with you, 
^by hook or by crook/ on Tuesday, the 7th, which is 
the anniversary of our wedding-day. 

^^I hope we shall be happy and useful at Stockport. 
God grant that it may'be so ! A brother has said there 
will not be such a Circuit Plan as ours in the whole 
Connexion; having upon it two Doctors of Divinity, and 
a Member of Parliament. Dr. Hannah is on our Plan. 
Should next Monday evening be fine, and I can get a 
boat, I shall try to get across the water after the preach- 
ing; so that you may tell the friends at Southport, that 
if their services connected with the opening of their 
chapel are not ended, I can give them a sermon on 
the 7th. 

I hope you take care of yourselves. The Lord bless 
you all ! 

Perhaps no man ever lived who had a greater number 
of personal friends than Dr. Newton. Accustomed as 
he was, for many years, to travel through the Methodist 
Connexion, in the length and breadth of it, there were 
families in the variou.s places which he visited, who 
received him gladly, and felt it to be a high privilege 
to afford him every accommodation in their power ; and 
their kind hospitality made a deep impression upon his 



277 



generous and grateful spirit. Among these friends were 
ilr. and Mrs. Perkins^ formerly of London^ and no~w of 
DarHngton. They had an only child^ a pious and pro- 
mising son^ who died of consumption soon after the 
Doctor entered upon liis labours in the Stockport Circuit. 
"When he heard of this sad bereavement^ he addressed to 
the sorrowing mother the following friendly and appro- 
priate letter : — 

"Permit me to offer my most sincere sympathy and 
condolence on the occasion of the bereavement which 
you and Mr. Perkins have been called to sustain. Your 
dear son has escaped away^ and is taken to an early 
rest. Pain and suffering with him are no more. They 
only who have entered into life, know what it is to 
be where there is no more death. But of this we are 
assured^ that to depart and be with Christ is far better. 
Still, however, we cannot but feel when the tenderest 
ties are severed by the stroke of death. But 0, what 
a consolation it is to you, to be frdly assured that your 
beloved son is for ever safe and happy ! ^ Blessed are 
the dead wliicli die in the Lord."* 

" My earnest hope and prayer is, and shall be, that this 
dispensation of an aU-wise and gracious Providence may be 
sanctified to his father. 

' For tis they sicken, and for 2cs they die.' 

God grant that it may be so ! 

Through the whole of liis first year at Stockport, Dr. 
Newton was, as usual, " in labours more abundant."'"' 
In liis private correspondence he often refers to his ad- 
vancing years, and to the consequent close of his ministry ; 
yet be was still strong to labour, was scarcely sensible of 

B B 



278 



LI^^E OE THE 



any decay in his strength^ and his heart was as intent 
as ever upon the fulfihnent of his allotted task of duty, 
resolved to employ all his time and energies in the 
service of his Lord. After itinerating through the Con- 
nexion in the months of autumn and winter, he again lent 
his aid at the Anniversary of the Wesleyan Missionary 
Society, in London, at the return of spring; and then 
hastened to the Irish Conference, Vv^here he was welcomed 
by many a warm and generous heart. On his arrival in 
Dublin, towards the latter end of June, he thus addressed 
Mrs. Newton : — 

Here I am, once more, in health, and greatly refreshed 
after a good night^s rest. I know not when I have slept 
so soundly and so long. We started from Liverpool 
yesterday morning, about four o^ clock, and had a most 
splendid passage. I received a most hearty welcome from 
Mr. Owen and his family in Mountjoy-square. Dr. Bunting 
is not here, so that Mr. President and myself are the only 
Preachers from England. I hope we shall have a good 
Conference. 

" This is an ill-fated country ; and yet, as Her Majesty^s 
steamer approached the quay at Kingstown, all was dash 
and splendour. Naval and military ofBcers in their uni- 
forms, and ladies most splendidly dressed, paraded the 
quay, as if want, starvation, and death were unknown. 

" Mr. William Stewart, through age and infirmity, retires 
from the office of Secretary to the Conference, and Mr. 
Mathews is elected in his place. Two or three of the 
Preachers are leaving Ireland for America. A kind friend 
in England, most probably Mr. Farmer, has just sent five 
hundred pounds, to assist the Irish Connexion in its 
present distressed condition.^^ 



EEV. EOBEILT NEYvTOX^ D.D. 



279 



After his return from Ireland lie paid his annual visit 
to Derby; and in reference to this event he thus speaks 
in a letter to his family : — I was glad to receive your 
joint communication. The Sabbath was a glorious day 
at Derby. The large new chapel overflowed^ and the col- 
lection was larger than it has . been for many years. 
Good Mr. Turner scarcely knew whether he was in the 
body or out of it. 

"Wlien you wiite to Trank^ give him his fatlier^s love. 
Tell him that I pray for him many a time every day. I 
shall have your prayers. God be with you all ! 

The British Conference of this year was held in the to uii 
of Hull; and Dr. Newton was elected a fourth time to 
fill the presidential chair^ — an honour which wa-s never 
conferred on any other man^ except his friend Dr. Bunting. 
This Conference was memorable on various accounts. It 
was the first that was ever held in that important place ; 
and the kind hospitality of the friends was beyond all 
praise. The public religious services connected with it 
were numerously attended, and eminently seasons of 
spiritual influence and blessing; but in the Confer- 
ence itself the elements of evil, from which the i^Ie thodist 
Connexion has since so greatly suffered, and the cause 
of religion has been so awfuUy disgraced, were then deve- 
loped in a manner which no one could mistake. A 
feeble instrumentality has often been the means of incal- 
culable mischief. The world was ruined by a lie which 
Satan uttered, and wliich the mother of our race believed. 
The throne of the man after God's own heart was sub- 
verted, and the Israelitish nation ahenated from the Lord's 
anointed, by the glozing misrepresentations of his faithless 
so'n, who desired to usurp his father's authority. 

2 B 2 



280 



LIFE OP THE 



A small number of Preacliers entered into a conspiracy 
to destroy tlie influence of several of the most trustworthy 
and useful Ministers of the bodj^ by anonymous attacks 
upon their character^ from which it was impossible that 
they should defend themselves. The means employed in 
this nefarious warfare were a series of pamphlets and 
a reckless newspaper; and it was manifest from what 
took place in the Hull Conference^ that the party had suc- 
ceeded in imbuing with their own spirit some other men^ 
from whom better things might have been expected. It 
was difficult to conduct the ordinary business of the Con- 
ference. Objections were made to everything^ and these 
were connected wdth rude and offensive personalities. The 
annual assembling of the Wesleyan Ministers is usually 
an occasion of spiritual refreshment^ and these servants of 
Christ separate with renewed strength and zest^ resolved to 
apply themselves with increased assiduity to the duties of 
their calling ; but from the Hull Conference many a faithful 
man retired pensive and sad^ apprehensive that days of evil 
were at hand^ in which the attention of Ministers would 
be diverted from their proper work^ — the conversion of 
sinners^ — their time and energies being employed in wordy 
strife ; and that many weak believers would be turned out 
of the way. These fears have been amply verified by 
subsequent events. 

In these feelings Dr. Newton participated; yet he did 
what he could^ both during the Conference and after- 
wards^ by kindness and urbanity^ and by the meekness 
of wisdom, combined with strict fidelity in the main- 
tenance of his trust, to soften the spirits of the hostile 
party, to sustain the confidence of faithful but timid 
men, and thus avert as much as possible the threateniug 



EEV. EOBEF.T NEVv^TON^, D.D. 



2S1 



calamity. He addressed his family in strains of piety; 
but we no longer observe the spirit of earnest hope 
and exultation which usually characterizes his Confer- 
ence letters. Thus he wrote to his wife and daughters^ 
from IIuU^ soon after he had entered upon his presi- 
dential duties : — I have just time to tell you that I am 
in good healthy and as happy as a man can expect to 
be with such a weight of responsibihty resting upon him. 
"We had a blessed day on the Sabbath^ when I had to 
preach as the new President in the forenoon. I believe 
the Lord was my Helper. 

"I had to examine thirty candidates for our full 
Ministry on Saturday night. The ordination takes place 
to-morrow. 

^''Poor Mr. Hov/ard^ of Leeds^ is gone. He died 
relying on the great atonement of Christ; and his tem- 
poral affairs were all settled before he expired. What 
is our life ? 

^^Twenty-nine out of the thirty young men who are 
to be ordained^ attributed their present position chiefly 
to religious training; the example and prayers of their 
parents^ especially of their mothers. JF e have prayed. 0 
let us pray more for all our children! Thank God for 
those of them who have chosen the better part.'^ 

When Dr. Newton separated from his brethren in Hull, 
his duties as the President of the Conference did not 
end, but continued through the year; yet there was no 
perceptible diminution in the number of his occasional 
services. The care of all the Circuits of the Connexion, 
to a considerable extent, devolved upon him; and he 
was the willing servant of all, ready for every good work. 
In the course of the autumn he visited Scotland, where 

2 B 3 



LIFE OP THE 



liis preacliiiig had long been liigUy appreciated^ and 
v\*liere crowds of all denominations flocked to hear him. 
On the 2d of Xovember he thus addressed Mrs. Ts'ewton 
and his cliildren from Edinburgh : — The kind Hand 
which has so long been upon us for good^ brought me 
here in safety. TVe had a large tea-meeting here on 
Tuesday evening, after my arrival in this city. Yesterday 
we had the District-Meetings and the Missionary Meeting 
at Leith in the evening. At one o^ clock to-day I set 
off for Dundee^ and proceed to Aberdeen to-morrow. 

^^TThat recollections rushed into my mind as I came 
by the railway from Newcastle to ^ Old Eeeky ! ^ Our 
ride together on the dicky of the coach^ with old Xanny 
in the inside ! The scenery ! Xearly half a century 
since then has elapsed. Children and children's children 
have been born: whom may God^ for Christ's sake^ for 
ever bless ! "What is our life ? May we make the best 
of what may yet remain ! 

The Eev. the President is somebody here. The Lord 
enable me to act worthy of my vocation! Janet is 
very kind.'^ 



KEY. EOBEET >:ETVTOy; D.T3. 



2S3 



CKAPTEE XIT. 

The Britisii Ccnierence of iS-i9 was lielcl in Man« 
chester^, and Dr. Xewton vas kincllY entertained at tlie 
house of his friend^ Eobert ToT\iiend^ Esq.^ of Brongliton^ 
as was also the Eev. Edward Batty^ who had come from 
the Channel Islands to attend this annual meeting of 
his brethren in the Ministry, llr. Batty was present 
in the Conference durins: the mornins: sitting? of the 
first day of its assemblings and then returned to 3Ir. 
Townend''s indisposed. Medical aid was obtained; but 
the complaint proved to be the Asiatic cholera^ which 
terminated fatally about midnight. He was a spiritually- 
minded man^ took a hvely interest in the proceedings 
of the Conference that morning, expressed his thankful- 
ness that he had been able to tender the votes which 
he had that day given, declared his cheerful trust in 
God through our Lord Jesus Christ, his entne resigna- 
tion to the Divine will; and died in great peace, full 
of immortal hope. 

Brom the time of Mr. Battr's seizure, till his death. 
Dr. Xewton displayed the most perfect self-possession, 
arising from an unshaken confidence in Gcd; and his 
prayers, that the shield of the Diwine protection might 
be placed around the family, made a deep impression 
upon all its members. His Christian fortitude was to 
them an example, and a means of encouragement. Several 
of his friends attempted to persuade him to remove to 
other lodgings ; but his answer was, Xo ; I will stand 



284 



LIFE OP THE 



my ground^ and not forsake my friends in tlie time of 
tlieir trouble/^ 

"Writing to Mrs. Newton on tlie tliird day after the 
, assembling of tlie Conference^ lie says : I iiave just 
' time to say that I am quite as well as usual. "VTe liave^ 
however, had a most painful visitation in the sudden 
death of Mr. Batty. He was in the Conference at twelve 
0^ clock at noon, and in heaven at half-past twelve that 
night ! I committed his body to the dust the following 
day, at Clieetham-Hill. We have no fear at all on the 
ground of infection. If, therefore, you can come over 
this afternoon, I am satisfied you need not fear. ATe 
are in the hands of an all-powerful and merciful Pro- 
\ddence. 

'''On the motion of Mr. Eeece, seconded bv Dr. 
Bunting, I received the unanimous thanks of the Con- 
ference. I could not leave the Conference when yon 
called at the door of the chapel, as I was in the act of 
calling the newly-elected President^^ (the writer of these 
memoirs) to the chair. We have had a good beginning, 
and I devoutly hope we shall be conducted to a happy 
termination. 

^^TTe have sent for , , and , to clear 

their characters if they can. God defend the right ! 

To this Conference many persons had looked forward 
with intense interest, and even with anxiety. In the 
Wesleyan body the evil to which reference has already 
been made was gathering strength. It had done immense 
harm to the cause of spiritual rehgion ; and it was per- 
ceived that, unless its progress could be arrested, a general 
bhght upon the Methodist Ministry and Societies would 
ine^-itably ensue. Evil surmising, jealousy, backbiting. 



T.ZY. PcOBEP.T XE^TOy^ D.D. 



2S3 



reviling^ and calumny^ in certain quarters^ liacl taken tlie 
place of mutual confidence and brotlierly affection; and^ 
if this state of tilings Trere to become general^ the Minis- 
ters and Societies saw that^ instead of directing their ener- 
gies against ignorance and ungodhness at home^ and Hea- 
thenism abroad^ they woidd be wasting their lives in the 
indulgence of mahgnant passions^ and in mutual recrimina- 
tions. Anonymous pamphlets^ containing attacks upon 



* In respect of an anonymous assailant of character in tiie last century, 
wliom these pamphleteers conld imitate in nothing bnt his ranconr and 
andacity, Dr. Johnson says : Of Jumins it cannot he said, as of Tlysses, that 
he scatters amhignoos expressions among the vnlgar : for he cries ' havock ' 
"withont reseiTe, and endeavours to ''let slip the dogs of war/ ignorant 
whither they are goin2:, and careless wjiat may be their prey. 

"Jiinins has sometimes made his satii'e felt; hut let not injuuicions 
admiration mistahe the venom of the shaft for the vigour of the how. 
He has sometimes sported with Inchy malice : hut to him that knows 
liis company, it is not hard to he sarcastic in a mask. While he walks, 
like Jack the Giant-kilLer, in a coat of dai'kness, he may do much 
mischief with little strength. 

" Jnnins burst into notice Tvith a blaze of impudence which has rai^e^y 
glared upon the world before, and drew the rabble after him as a 
monster makes a show. 'When he had once provided for his safety 
by impenetrable secrecy, he had nothing to combat bnt truth and justice, 
enemies whom he knows to be feeble in the dai'k. Being then at liberty 
to indulge himself in all the immunities of invisibility; out of the reach 
of danger, he has been bold ; out of the reach of shame, he has been 
confident.'' 

"Junius is an im usual phenomenon, on wliich some have gazed with 
wonder and terror ; but wonder and terror are transitory passions. 
He win soon be more closely \-iewed or more attentively examined, and what 
folly has taken for a comet, that from its flaming hair shook pestilence 
and war, inquiry will find to be only a meteor formed by the vapours 
of putretying democracy, and kindled into flame by the effervescence of 
interest struggling with conviction ; which, after having plunged its followers 
in' a bog, wiLL leave us inqioiring why we regard it." — Palkiand's Islands." 



286 



LIFE OF THE 



the characters of the most able and useful men in the body^ 
were increased in number^ and circulated with avidity. 

Among the ancient people of God^ when men fell under 
suspicion of particular crimes^ the Almighty directed that 
they should be required to clear themselves upon oath^ 
and even by solemn sacrifice^ or that they should be 
regarded as guilty. (Exod. xxii. 10^ 11; Deut. xxi. 1-9.) 
In accordance with the principle and spirit of these 
regulations^ the great body of the Wesleyan Ministers 
affixed their names to a public declaration, solemnly 
averring, before God and His people, that they were 
clear in this matter. It was, therefore, impossible that 
the guilty parties should any longer remain in their 
concealment; and, although it was difficult to produce 
direct evidence against them, as they had published 
anonymously, and concealed even the printer^s name, yet 
facts had transpired in the course of the preceding year 
which amounted to the strongest presumptive proof of 
which the case was capable, against some of the men 
who had been suspected from the beginning, and especially 
the man who was regarded as the ringleader. It was, 
therefore, resolved to bring the matter to an immediate 
issue, and the men who were believed to have done this 
thing were summoned to appear before their brethren, some 
of whom had thus been maligned and greatly injured. 

Prom the origin of Wesleyan Methodism it has been an 
established and recognised practice to subject every one 
of its Ministers to an annual examination as to his doc- 
trinal sentiments and teaching, his moral and rehgious 
character, and his practical attention to the discipline of the 
Connexion. Inquiries on these several points are partly 
proposed to each man personally, and partly to liis colleagues 



HEY. KOBEET SEWTGyy D.D. 



2S7 



and brethren ; and it was resolved^ in tlie present instance^ 
to put tlie question candidly and directly to each of these 
suspected parties^ whether or not he was concerned in the 
composition or the circulation of the anonymous and de- 
famatory pamphlets^ which had so seriously disturbed the 
peace of the body. This inquiry produced an effect similar 
to that which^ according to j\Iilton^ was produced by the 
spear of Ithuriel : — 

Tor no falsehood can endure 

Toucli of celestial temper, but retui'iis 
Of force to its own likeness." 

Wlien this question was proposed to the man vrho was 
beheyed to haye taken the lead in this scheme of mischief^ 
he said : "TThy is this question proposed to me^ rather than 
to the other Ministers of the body ? Because uniyersal 
suspicion falls upon you/^ was the answer ; which was 
echoed by a loud response from eyery part of the Con- 
ference^ consisting of four or fiye hundred Ministers^ all 
of whom at that moment fixed their eyes upon him. ^^I 
will not answer that question/^ was his reply. I will 
submxit to expulsion rather than answer it.^^ 

Time was giyen him for consideration ; he was expos- 
tulated with^ and inyited again to meet the men to whom 
he had long stood in the relation of a brother^ and either 
acknowledge his sin or declare his innocence. But he was 
inflexible^ and would neyer again meet the eyes which were 
fastened upon him when he was required to giye an answer 
respecting a plain matter of fact ; thus in effect declaring 
that while he claimed their confidence and affection as a 
friend and a brother^ and as such took a part in their work, 
arid sat in their assembhes^ he would not deny that he was 



288 



LIFE OF THE 



a secret and detennined enemy both to tliem and tlieir 
proceedings. He was_, therefore^ necessarily severed from a 
connexion of wliich he had rendered himself unworthy ; for 
what sane Ministers of Christ will publicly recognise^ as a 
co-Pastor^ a man who^ in effect;, tells them to their faces^ 
that^ in spite of them^ he will wear a mask ? Two other 
men^ his accomplices^ were discarded at the same time^ but 
upon somewhat different grounds. They had both sorely 
taxed the patience of their brethren for years^ and had^ 
indeed^ been kept in the body by an almost unexampled 
course of forbearance; and now^ in opposition to every 
dictate of gratitude and modesty^ they assumed an inde- 
pendent jurisdiction^ by commencing the publication of a 
monthly journal^ in which they proposed to discuss the acts 
of their brethren^ — men immensely wiser and better than 
themselves^ — and even to overhaul the proceedings of the 
Conference. This agitating project they positively refused 
to abandon. 

These acts of discipline excited considerable attention at 
the time^ and in some quarters have been censured as arbi- 
trary and unjust ; and one public journalist has inquired 
by what right Mr. Wesley^ and the Methodist Conference 
after him^ have formed rules to regulate the conduct of 
rehgious people^ and have even claimed the power to depose 
men from their Ministry ? The answer may be given in a 
few words. When Mr. Wesley went into the highvrays,, 
calling sinners to repentance^ and to the enjoyment of 
salvation through faith in the sacrificial blood of Christy 
many persons were awakened to an anxious concern for 
their eternal interests, and earnestly requested him to take 
them under his pastoral care and guidance. He had an 
unquestionable right to declare upon what terms he would 



EEY. EGBERT NEWTON^ D.D. 289 

thus receive tliem ; and lie claimed tliat right. Hence the 
Rules of the Societies^ which he drew up^ declaring what, 
according to his apprehensions, the professors of spiritual 
religion ought to be, as to their tempers and demeanour. 
Yet neither man nor woman was required to enter into 
rehgious fellowship with him, nor to remain in such fellow- 
ship an hour longer than they felt it to be a privilege and a 
benefit. But while they did remain, they were, of course, 
expected to conform to the Piules, according to the pledges 
which they gave when they were admitted. 

At a later period, men who deemed themselves called of 
God to preach the Gospel offered themselves to Mr. Wesley, 
to labour in connexion with him, and in furtherance of the 
great work of wliich he was the chief instrument and 
director. Here again he had an unquestionable right to 
determine upon what terms he would accept the services 
of these men, and recognise them as fellow-labourers with 
himself. This right he also claimed and exercised : and 
hence the system of ministerial discipline wliich he drew 
up, and occasionally modified as circumstances seemed to 
require. No men were compelled to labour as Preachers 
in connexion with Mr. Wesley ; but all who chose to stand 
in that relation were bound to conform to the regulations 
by which their brethren were governed, and to which 
they had severally declared their assent. 

Thus far, it is presumed, Mr. Wesley did nothing more 
than is virtually done by every man who accepts the pas- 
toral charge in a voluntary church, or who in such a 
church accepts the services of a co-Pastor. The principles 
upon which he acted are universally recognised, not only 
in free ecclesiastical communities, but in business partner- 
ships and commercial transactions; only he was provi- 

c c 



290 



LIPE OF THE 



dentially called to carry out those principles to a wider 
extent than any other Minister^ at least in modern times. 
No wise man ever enters into any important alliances^ 
without a distinct agreement as to the grounds upon which 
such alliances are based; and the manner in which they are 
to be regulated, 

Wlien Mr. Wesley died, the power which he possessed, 
as the centre of operation in the Methodist Connexion, had 
to be lodged somewhere; otherwise the Connexion which 
he had formed, and from which tens of thousands of people 
had derived endless benefits, would necessarily be dissolved. 
By his appointment that power is vested in the Conference, 
\s'hich meets every twelve months, and which has hitherto 
acted upon his principles, and has carried out his plans. 
'No man is compelled to be a Wesleyan Minister, to labour 
in connexion with the Conference, or to remain a Wesleyan 
Minister a day longer than he chooses ; but while he does 
remain, he is justly expected and required to submit to the 
Eules, which are alike binding upon him and the whole of 
his brethren. One of these Eules is, that he shall submit 
to a yearly examination both as to his creed and his prac- 
tice : and the object of that examination is, to afford satis- 
faction to his brethren that he is sound in the faith, and 
that in respect of his moral and religious conduct he is 
unblameable. 

The relation in which the Wesleyan Ministers stand to 
each other is well known to be more strict and intimate 
than that which subsists between the Ministers of almost 
any other community. They exchange Circuits, are 
pledged to teach the same doctrines, and to enforce the 
same discipline ; and submitting, as they do, to a yearly 
examination, they are answerable^ before the world and the 



EEV. ROBERT NEWTON^ D.D. 



291 



cliurcla^ for eaeli otlie/s character and conduct. Hence it 
is that misunderstandings among them are necessarily pro- 
ductive of calamitous results^ not only to themselves^ but 
to the people among whom they labour. Their form of 
discipline^ therefore, drawn up by their venerated father in 
the Gospel, contains the following items : — 

"What can be done, in order to a closer union of our 
Helpers with each other ? 

" Let them be deeply convinced of the want there is of 
it at present, and the absolute necessity of it. 

" Let them pray for a desire of union. 

" Let them speak freely to each other. 

"When they meet, let them never part without prayer. 

"Let them beware how they despise each other^s 
gifts. 

"Let them never speak slightingly of each other in any 
kind. 

"Let them defend one another^s characters in every 
thing, so far as consists with truth : and, 

"Let them labour in honour each to prefer the other 
before himself.''^ 

Cases may be easily conceived in which a Minister may 
be dismissed from a particular rehgious community with- 
out any just reflection either upon his personal honour or 
liis official character. A Minister in an Episcopal Church 
may innocently adopt the theory of Presbyterianism, or 
of Independency, and feel it his duty to teach accordingly ; 
or an Independent Minister may become a Presbyterian 
or an Episcopalian with a strictly honest mind ; and in 
these cases the dismissal of the men from their form^er 
connexions, and their removal to other bodies with whom 
their sentiments agree, are every way reasonable and just, 

2 c 2 



292 



LIFE OE THE 



and are not necessarily connected with any unkind or 
unholy feeling in the parties concerned. 

But the cases with which the Methodist Conference of 
1849 was called to deal were of a very different kind. 
They related not only to opinions^ but to morals. They 
involved not only an infringement of conventional rules^ 
which men had promised before God to observe^ but a 
violation of the law of Christy the eternal law of truths and 
charity^ and peace ; js well as of the moral law^ the ninth 
Commandment of which says^ Thou shalt not bear false 
witness against thy neighbour.''^ Here were men sustain- 
ing the sacred character of Christ^s Ministers^ who were all 
but universally believed to be concerned in the publica- 
tion of a series of pamphlets^ assailing with sarcasm, 
contempt, and bitterness, the good name of their brother 
Ministers, and calculated entirely to destroy their useful- 
ness. These men were not suddenly overcome by tiie 
force of temptation, so as to speak unadvisedly with their 
lips ; but deliberately, and of set purpose, planned schemes 
of mischief^ and persevered in the execution of them, from 
year to year, with unabated malignity ; and all this for the 
purpose of rendering nugatory the ministrations of men 
who were associated with themselves in carrying into effect 
* the great purpose for which the Son of God came down 
from heaven, and shed His life-blood upon the cross. The 
sin of these unhappy men acquired a peculiar aggravation 
from the circumstance, that they were challenged and 
invited every year to state whatever they knew to be 
matter of blame in any one of their brethren. In every 
District-Meeting, and at every Conference, the names of 
the men who were so maliciously assailed were called over ; 
inquiry was made whether there was any objection to their 



KEY. ROBEPcT NETTTOX^ D.B. 



293 



mim'sf erial^ religious^ or moral cliaracter : a pause was tlien 
made^ im'iting scrutiny and animadversion ; and repeatedly 
did the accused Ministers tliemselves stand up in those 
meetings^ declare their innocence of the things that vrere 
charged upon them^ and call upon then accusers to sho^v 
themselves^ and produce their proofs. TVhen the men 
thus cruelly slandered were present to answer for them- 
selves^ their accusers were as silent as death ; and yet 
year after year did they persist in their course of anonymous 
defamation. 

The case of Dr. Xewton may be adduced as an example 
of what is here stated. In the universal records of 
the Christian church it would be difficult to find a cha- 
racter more blameless and upright ; and he was as khid and 
peaceable as he was pure. Yet because he was popular^ 
was faithful in the maintenance of rule and order in the 
body to which he belonged^ and was therefore regarded 
as standing in the way of these restless sphits^ he was 
loaded with the foulest abuse. His extraordinary laboui's 
were imputed to corrupt and sordid motives_, in the absence 
of any vestige of proof; and every efi'ort was made to 
cover him with odium^ and defeat the object of his ministry. 
Justly might he have prayed^ with the Psalmist^ ''^Hide 
me from the secret counsel of the wicked ; fi^om the insur- 
rection of the workers of iniquity : who whet their tongue 
like a sword^ and bend their bows to shoot their arrows^ 

even bitter words : that they may shoot in secret They 

encourage themselves in an evil matter : they commune 
of laying snares privily ; they say^ ATho shall see them ? 
They search out iniquities ; they accomphsh a dihgeni 
search : both the inward thought of every one of them^ and 
the heart, is deep.'' (Psalm Ixiv. 2-6.) 

2 c 3 



294 



LIFE OF THE 



Now if the Gospel be a fable^ and men are not 
acconntable for their actions^ all this may be regarded as 
the pastime of men who have nothing to fear^ and nothing 
to hope for^ beyond the life which they spend upon earth 
as a shadow; but if such Ministers as Dr. Newton are 
the servants of Christy called and sanctioned by Him to 
train up for the bliss of heaven the souls which He has 
redeemed by His bloody then all such wanton attempts to 
render their labours useless are not only an open viola- 
tion of His precepts^ but acts of direct opposition to His will 
and purpose^ and must be answered for at His tribunal. 

If the men whom the Conference of 1849 discarded 
had not been actually guilty of writing and publishing the 
vile pamphlets of which we have spoken, they rendered 
themselves utterly unfit for the Wesleyan ]\Iinistry by their 
unwillingness to purge themselves of the baseness and sin 
which the authorship and publication of these pamphlets 
involved, and by refusing to declare their abhorrence of 
practices so mean, impious, and immoral. The Conference 
could not any longer recognise these men as brother 
Ministers without partaking of their sin. If any doubt 
remained as to the propriety of their severance from the 
Wesleyan body, that doabt must be for ever removed by 
the subsequent conduct of the parties. They have since 
thrown off the mask : with the aid of their confede- 
rates, they have reprinted the obnoxious pamplilets, and 
given them the widest possible circulation through the 
country : they have perambulated the land, holding public 
meetings, appealing to the bad passions of the populace ; 
attempting to "stop the supplies,^^ and thus effect the 
starvation of aged Ministers and widows, to embarrass the 
trust-estates of Methodist places of religious worship, and 



KEY. EOBETIT NETVTON^ D.D. 



295 



to break up the "Wesley an Missions in tlie heathen ^YO^kl. 
At the same time they have clamoured for organic changes 
in the Wesleyan economy^ which^ if adopted^ would effect 
the disruption of the Societies and the Connexion. In 
tliis course thej have had the support of the infidel press 
of tliis country : and — tell it not in Gatli ! — they have 
been abetted and urged onward in their evil career by a 
large portion of the Dissenting press^ which has sent 
forth weekly^ monthly^ and quarterly insinuations and 
invectives against the "Wesleyan Ministers and people^ 
who offered the writers no provocation whatever. 

At the Manchester Conference^ when the acts of dis- 
ciphne which we have related took place^ Dr. Newton 
was relieved from the cares and responsibilities of the 
presidency^ which he had borne for the last twelve 
months; but the interest which he took in the pro- 
ceedings of that body was as deep as it had ever been. 
Of that feeling it was impossible that he should divest 
himself while he retained life and consciousness. By the 
agency of Methodism he had been made ^^wise unto 
salvation he had witnessed the beneficial effects of the 
system in every part of Great Britain and Ireland^ and 
upon the continent of America ; so that his life was bound 
up with the system^ and the maintenance of its purity and 
success was as dear to him as his own soul. These acts 
of discipline had his entire concurrence. He lamented 
their necessity ; liis heart yearned over the men who had 
so grievously lost sight of their ministerial vows and 
vocation; but he was thorouglily persuaded that while 
they remained in the Body there was no hope of peace^ 
but the certain prospect of continual strife and heart- 
burning. He believed that the calling of these restless 



296 



LIFE OP THE 



men to an account was matter of absolute duty ; lie saw 
everywhere the immense mischief of which they were the 
authors ; he knew their confirmed principles and habits ; 
and he was con\dnced that the mistaken forbearance with 
which they had for years been treated^ had proved the ruin 
of many souls. Their ceaseless efforts tended to the 
extinction of that charity which is an essential element 
of true godhness^ and without which the doings^^ of 
even professed Christians ^^are nothing worth/^ Every 
kingdom di\ided against itself is brought to desolation; 
and a house divided against a house falleth/^ ^^The 
leaven of mahce and wickedness^^ in a religious com- 
munity is like the dry rot in a family-mansion. Unless 
its progress be arrested^ speedy and certain ruin will ensue. 

That the men who have assailed the institutions of 
Methodism^ and the character of its Ministers^ should have 
been successful to a considerable extent^ is not at all 
surprising. Several of the Apostolic churches, and the 
Apostles themselves, were subjected to similar annoyance 
from false brethren/^ some of whom, it would appear, 
were so ^dolent as to make attempts against the life of St. 
Paul, in this respect rivalling the hostihty of the Heathen, 
and of the unbeheving Jews. (2 Cor. xi. 26.) In all com- 
munities, there are persons who are easily misled by bold 
statements, and are ready to espouse the cause of men 
who place themselves in opposition to established rule 
and order. ^^He that goeth about to persuade a mul- 
titude that they are not so well governed as they ought 
to be, shall never want attentive and favourable hearers; 
because they know the manifold defects whereunto every 
kind of regiment is subject ; but the secret lets and 
difficulties, which in public proceedings are innumerable 



UEV. EGBERT NEWTON^ D.D. 



297 



and inevitable^ they have not ordinarily the judgment to 
consider /^"^ Novelty captivates the superficial and 
thoughtless; vehemence delights the discontented and 
turbulent. He that contradicts acknowledged truth will 
always have an audience; he that vilifies established 
authority will always find abettors/^t 

When the Manchester Conference was ended^ Dr. 
Newton returned to his Circuity and resumed his course 
of ministerial labour; not^ however^ forgetting the kind- 
ness of his host in ]\Ianchester^ and the affecting instance 
of mortality which had been so recently witnessed in his 
family. On the 27th of August he thus addressed Mr. 
Townend : — 

A fortnight has elapsed since I saw you ; yet I believe 
no day has passed in which I have not thought, and that 
with feelings of devout gratitude^ of the goodness of God 
to us all^ during my sojourn with you. Had we known 
before what was to happen^ we mnght have been alarmed ; 
but what took place has been the occasion of greater 
thankfulness to God for our preservation in life and healthy 
while it has furnished additional ground of confidence for 
the future. I find that friends at a distance have felt 
more than we did^ who were on the spot. The malignant 
cholera is now doing its work in several parts of this 
country. May the people hear the rod^ and learn the 
lessons which it is intended to teach ! 

I have been working hard^ in my way^ since I left 
you : but the hymn says^ — 

' Labour is rest, and pain is sweet.' 

Time is on the wing. How swiftly it flies ! May we all 



* Hooker. 



t Johnson. 



298 



LIPE or THE 



'work while it is day V I was mnch pleased with my short 
visit to Shipley. The friends have built a large school^ and 
are enlarging the chapel. My collection^ which consisted 
of gleanings^ amounted to upwards of twenty-four pounds. 
The chapel-opening is yet to come^ when they say I must 
visit them again. 

" And now^ my dear friends^ permit me to offer my best 
thanks to you^ and to all the family^ for your Christian 
kindness and hospitality while I was under your roof ; not 
forgetting David and the two maid-servants^ who were so 
attentive to me on all occasions. I thought of you, yester- 
day morning, when_, to screen myself from the pelting 
shower^ I used that which is too good to be used on 
ordinary occasions. May we all be sheltered under every 
storm to which we may be exposed^ and at last enter the 
haven of eternal repose ! 

When this letter was written Dr. Newton had resumed 
the course of labour in which he had for many years been 
employed ; directing all his energies to the spiritual benefit 
of the people in his own Circuit and of the Connexion 
generally. During the autumn he travelled extensively, 
visiting London and Scotland, and many other places, with 
unwearied diligence, and a zeal which many waters could 
not quench. His interleaved almanack bears affecting 
testimony to these facts, every leaf being covered with the 
names of places which he had engaged to visit ; so that on 
the 31st of December he could scarcely find room for the 
touching record, '^Another year has come to its close; 
and here I am, still permitted to try to do something for 
Him who has done so much for me. May the residue of 
my days be fully consecrated to His service and glory ! 

In the beginning of the year 1850 he was earnestly 



EEV. EOBEUT NETVTON, D.D. 



299 



requested to pay an extra visit to Ireland^ for tlie purpose 
of ser\ing the friends at Dungannon; but tliis lie \Yas 
compelled to decline^ because it involved a violation of the 
rule which he had prescribed to himself^ and to which he 
had hitherto adhered. His answer was addressed to his 
friend Mr. Waugh: it bears the date of January 31st^ and 
is as follows ; — I would gladly do my best to meet your 
wishes^ and those of the good people at Dungannon^ were 
it practicable ; but my rule is fixed, and I dare not depart 
from it. Give mv love to brother Hoev, and tell him that 
if any arrangement can be made for me to visit them in 
connexion with the Dubhn Conference^ I shall be most 
happy to serve the cause there^ as well as I can ; but I 
cannot give a Sabbath to any place out of my own Circuity 
except where the Conference appoints me to go. I shall 
be obliged to give the same answer to the friends at 
Belfast. 

I have been working hard since the Conference^ ^I'jii^S 
to counteract the mischief which is done by the three men 
in various places. I have no fear for the Mission Fund ; 
but I know there will be a sad faUing off in the subscrip- 
tions to the AuxiHary Fund in many Circuits. I hope, 
however, that special donations from the wealthy will more 
than provide for that. jNTo thanks to these men if our 
worn-out Ministers or the widows are not starved to death ! 

These are indeed days of blasphemy and rebuke. has 

violated the solemn pledges which he gave to the Con- 
ference; and I believe a District-Meeting is now sitting 
on his case. I wish we were rid of some more half-Israel, 
half-Ashdod men, who do us far more harm than good. 
In all this there is no small portion of the spirit of the 
times. The cry is, ^ Smash everything that is and has 



300 



LIEE OF THE 



been, and try something new/ The storm is in some 
places blowing over; and my hope is, we shall have a 
purified atmosphere, more healthy than it has been for 
years past. The Lord sitteth above the water-floods. 
He reigneth King for ever. 

" My breathing has been much affected during the late 
severe frosts, especially in the morning. I think I have 
the old man^s cough. Thank God, I have been able to 
keep in my work. How soon I shall be compelled to retire 
from the field of action, I know not. The will of the Lord 
be done."'^ 

In the spring and summer he continued his extraordinary 
labours without any abatement ; and as an example of the 
holy and joyous excitement which was produced by the 
occasional services in which he was almost daily engaged, 
we will select one case. A new chapel having been erected 
at Garndiffaith, in the Abergavenny and Pontypool Circuit, 
he was requested to preach two of the opening sermons, on 
the 11th of July, 1850. Crowds of people assembled from 
that and the adjoining Circuits to hear the eloquent and 
venerable man. He preached the truth with special unction 
and effect, and cases of conversion attested that the Lord 
was with His servant. It was a day to be remembered by 
the warm-hearted Methodists residing among the iron- 
works of Monmouthshire. The two collections amounted 
to the noble sum of seventy pounds ; but the people were 
not satisfied with contributing this amount towards the 
expenses of the chapel. They recollected that the cause 
of Missions was dear to the heart of the aged Minister 
who had visited themj and a few individuals resolved 
to contribute fifty pounds for that object, as a mark 
of their respect for him. This handsome donation they 



EEV. EOBEET NET\TOX^ D.D. 



forwarded to him tlirougli tlieir excellent Minister^ the 
Eev. Thomas Eogerson^ who has since died in the Lord^ — 
a man of great fidelity and affection^ and a good Preacher. 
The Doctor had the gratification of placing the fifty ponnds 
in the hands of the Treasurer of the Mission iiind. 

The Conference of 1850 was held in London; and as 
Dr. Newton had now completed his three years^ residence 
in the Stockport North Circuity his removal was unavoid- 
able; and liis future destination^ which was to himself 
a matter of comparatively small moment^ affected the 
comfort of liis family^ and on this account was to him 
an occasion of some solicitude. Speaking of it in a letter 
to Mrs. Newton^ he says : TTe shall soon have our 
last remove. May it be a happy one ! '''' 

Having gone to London to attend the Preparatory 
Committees^ referring to the same subject^ he says : I 
feel my confidence is in the Lord. I believe He will 
direct our way. He has done so in time past ; and He — 

* "Will not now His servants leave, 
But bring us tkrougli at last/ " 

With respect to some mischievous novelties which cer- 
tain parties wished to substitute for Wesleyan Methodism^ 
under the abused name of '''^ Beform/"' he adds: ''''The 
Conference I hope will make a firm stand. You will. 
I am sure, pray for us, that the Lord may dhect us at 
this most important Conference.''"' 

^^July 30th. — This is Wednesday morning: the Con- 
ference has commenced ; and a blessed commencement we 
have had. Mr. Marsden and E. XeT\i:on were called by 
the President to engage in prayer. We have had such 
unity and concord in our various Preparatory Committees 

I D D 

i 



303 



LIPE OF THE 



as I never before witnessed. Mr. Heald has done ns 
good service. Some of his speeches were of a very high 
order as specimens of sanctified eloquence. 

I had a good day on Sabbath last at Derby. "We 
had good congregations^ and a larger collection than that 
of the last year. 

^^Dr. Beecham is the President^ thank God^ and Dr, 
Hannah the Secretary.''^ 

August 5th. — On the Sabbath evening I preached 
in the City-road chapel, which may be called the ''old 
mother-church/ to an overflowing congregation. I felt 
unusual freedom in bearing my testimony to the vital 
doctrine of salvation by grace, from Eph. ii. 8, 9. This 
evening I go to Richmond, to preach one of the opening 
sermons in the new chapel there. I trust the blessed 
Master will be with His unworthy servant. 

"The ordination service will take place to-morrow 
morning. Thirty-six young men are to be ordained to 
the sacred office.''^ 

"This is Monday morning, August 12th. Last night 
I preached in the beautiful new chapel at Poplar. I 
believe the storm of agitation will soon blow over, and 
we shall see a healthier state of thing's. 

" If you see dear Prank, give his father^s love to him, 
and tell him I pray for him every day of my life, that 
he may be an able and successful Minister of the New 
Testament. May God bless him ! 

"The Eev. John Chettle, who was as well as usual 
on Tuesday last, was yesterday consigned to the r;rave. 
He was two or three years my senior. May I also be 
ready ! Old as I am, however, I am as much beset 
as ever for extra woik, I must be at York on the 



IIEV. EGBERT NEWTOX^ D.D. 



303 



26tli^ at Scarborough on the 27th^ and Whitby on the 
28th/^ 

At this Conference Dr. Newton was appointed to the 
Liverpool South Circuity which he had left twenty-two 
years before. Here he remained two years^ and then 
retired upon the Supernumerary list; so that this was 
the last Circuit to which he was officially appointed as 
a Methodist Travelling Preacher. He had now attained 
to the age of threescore years and ten; and although 
he was stronger both in body and mind than most men 
are at that age^ yet he presented signs of decay^ and 
felt that he was not the vigorous man that he had for- 
merly been. 

The failure, however, was only in his physical powers. 
His faith was as strong as ever ; his love to Christ and 
to the souls of men burned with undiminished brightness ; 
and his susceptibility of grateful emotions was in no 
degree impaired. During the Conference he had been 
kindly entertained at the house of Mr. and Mrs. Ingoldby, 
in Finsbury-square ; all the members of whose family 
duly appreciated his character and talents, and treated 
him with the high respect to which he was entitled. 
The nearness of the house to the City-road chapel, where 
the Conference was held, was to him a great convenience. 
After he had returned to his family, he sent the follow- 
ing beautifd letter to his friendly host and hostess : — 

Permit me to say, that I have a deep sense of your 
uniform and Christian attention and hospitality during my 
late happy sojourn under your roof. Often, very often, 
do my thoughts travel to Pinsbury- square, where I seem 
again to mingle with your domestic circle. I have 
attended about fifty annual meetings of the British Con- 

2 D 2 



304 



LIPE OF THE 



ference^ and have always been happy in the families where 
my lot has been cast ; but I never was more at home than 
in Finsbury-square, 

It would not become me^ on the verge of. threescore 
years and ten, to look forward to another London Con- 
ference ; but I do look to the final Conference above, which 
shall never close, and where I hope we shaU all meet to 
part no more. 

^^I arrived at Liverpool on Saturday evening, where I 
found my wife and daughters hard at work, fitting up our 
new residence. It is very small, but the situation is all 
that we could desire. 

I opened my commission in my new Circuit yesterday. 
We had the old Pitt-street chapel overflowing, both in the 
morning and evening, and a good collection for the 
Sabbath-schools. I earnestly hope we shall see good days. 
If we had a great deal more praying, we should have less 
fault-finding. I find a few of my old friends still here, but 
others are gone home. Give my love to your dear children, 
whom may God bless, and also to Mr. Rogers."^ The Lord 
be with you all V' 

Before Dr. Newton left Stockport the friends in that 
place resolved to show their respect for his character, and 
their gratitude for the benefit which they had derived from 
his ministry, during the three years of his residence among 
them, by presenting to Mrs. Newton a handsome portrait 
of her husband, whom they had rejoiced to recognise as 
their Minister and Pastor; and for this purpose invited 

* Mr. Rogers, wlio has since died in the Lord, was the father of Mrs. 
Ingoldby, and the son of the Rev. James Rogers, who appears to have been 
the first Methodist Preacher that carried the truth to Roxby, where Dr. 
Newton was born. 



KEY. EGBERT ^'EWTON; D.D. 



303 



liim to a tea-meetings wlien tlie artist liad finislicd tlie 
picture. The Doctor said he would rather that the gift 
should be presented and received in private; but the 
friends would not be satisfied without a meeting: he 
therefore submitted. 

The painting was a half-length portrait^ by H. Calvert^ 
Esq.^ of Manchester^ the cost of which was forty guineas^ 
one-half of wliich the artist generously gave towards the 
formation of a library and reading-room in connexion with 
the principal Methodist chapel in Stockport. The meeting 
was held in the Ti\'iot-Dale school-room^ in the evening of 
Thursday^ September 12th_, and was very numerously at- 
tended. The Eev. Dr. Hannah presided on the occasion^ and 
was supported by several Ministers and gentlemen. After 
singing and prayer^ he stated the object of the meetings and 
pronounced an eloquent and just eulogium upon the minis- 
try and character of Dr. Xewton. A letter from Dr. Bunt- 
ing was reads expressing regret at his inabihty to attend the 
interesting service. The following Address^ beautifully 
engrossed on vellum^ was then read ; having been signed 
by Dr. Hannah in behalf of the Societies and congregations 
of the Stockport Is orth Circuit : — 

^^TO THE EEY. EOBEET XEWTOX, D.D. 
"Eev. axd deae SiE; — 

" On the occasion of your departure from the Stock- 
port Xorth Circuits after three years of ministerial ser\ice 
in its very respectfully request permission to tender to 
you a cordial expression of the afiectionate esteem in which 
we hold both your pubhc and your private characters and 
of the value which we put upon your services to ourselves 
and to the Connexion at large. 

2 D 3 



306 



LIFE OF THE 



^^In doing tliis^ our regard for your higli-toned and 
exemplary delicacy in respect to anything directly compli- 
mentary to yourself, and an anxiety^ on our part^ not to 
tarnish our own reputation for honest and straightforward 
sincerity^ by the employment of language which might 
appear to savour of unseemly adulation^ induce us to 
abstain from anything beyond a barely general allusion to 
the peculiar talents with which you are so eminently gifted. 
But we may be allowed^ without hazard of rebuke^ to 
express our gratitude to Him who creates the stars of the 
churches^ and holds them in His own right hand^ for the 
evidence which has been given^ in your case as in others, 
of His favour to us as a religious community., and for the 
benefits which, by His blessing upon your instrumentality, 
have been so largely conferred upon us ; and, glorifying 
God in you, we cannot but accept this token of His good- 
ness as an encouragement to hope that He will in future 
graciously continue to raise up amongst us a succession of 
able and faithful men, who shall be endowed by Him with 
gifts adapted to the service which the exigencies of our 
own Connexion, and of the church at large, may be found 
hereafter to require. 

At the same time, we may also be allowed to record 
our grateful admiration of the zealous and unwearied readi- 
ness with which, from the commencement of your long and 
honourable ministry, you have devoted ^ the gift which is 
in you^ to the service of your Great Master, and of ""the 
church which He has purchased with His own blood,^ not 
only in the various Circuits in which you have successively 
been stationed, but ako, as far as circumstances have 
admitted, throughout the length and breadth of our Con- 
nexion, both at home and abroad ; and to say that in this 



EEV. EOBEUT NEWTON"^ D.D. 



S07 



respect you have been ^in labours more abundant/ — 
tliougli sucli a testimony is emphatically just and appro- 
priate as a description of the extent to which those labours 
have been carried^ — does not satisfy our own conviction of 
what is due to you as an acknowledgment of the peculiar 
and extraordinary services which you have rendered^ unless 
such acknowledgment be farther connected with a grateful 
recognition^ such as that which we nov/ offer^ of the disin- 
terested, self-denying, generous, and urbane spirit in which 
those services have invariably been performed. 

" We beg to express, also, our high sense of the dignity, 
affability, and purity which have uniformly marked your 
whole character and deportment in the social circle and in 
yom^ intercourse with general society, as well as in the dis- 
charge of all your ministerial functions. And we offer our 
respectful testimony to the beneficial influence of an 
example so striking and attractive, on all those who have 
been in circumstances to observe it, as having been 
eminently calculated to ^ adorn the doctrine of God our 
Saviour in all things."^ 

From the high position in which, by the Providence of 
God, you have been placed, and from the influence neces- 
sarily associated with your talents and character, you have 
been largely concerned in all the movements and projects 
of a Connexional character which have occurred durins; 
the course of your ministry ; and we remember, with satis- 
faction and gratitude, the active and efficient aid which you 
have given on all great occasions, especially in the estab- 
lishment of some of our most important institutions, such 
as the Wesleyan Missionary Society and the Theological 
Institution, as also in the maintenance of our general 
economy and disciphne. And we concede to you the well- 



SOS 



LIFE OE THE 



earned praise of having devoted to these important objects 
a zeal apparently inexhanstible by any amount of labour, 
and a perseverance and constancy which no difficulties have 
been able to discourage. 

'^'^In fulfilling some of these departments of service to 
the great cause with which you are so closely identified, 
whilst you have not failed to win and to maintain the 
general esteem and gratitude of the Connexion, you have 
occasionally been called, in common with others of your 
honoured brethren, to encounter from certain parties no 
small amount of misrepresentation and reproach. We may 
not, at the present, farther notice those who have been 
unhappily betrayed into the position of being revilers 
of those whom not only the Connexion generally, but God 
Himself, we believe, "^delighteth to honour/ But, with 
regard to yourself, we are tliankful to perceive, as, amidst 
the hazards of an almost unexampled popularity, your 
Christian character and spirit have, by the grace of God, 
not only been preserved untainted, but even improved and 
exalted; so, under the new form of trial to which they 
have more recently been subjected, they shine not merely 
with an unabated, but even an augmented, lustre. 

We have been naturally led to dwell thus, in the first 
instance, on your general character and services, because 
for many years we were acquainted w^ith you chiefly as the 
general servant of the whole Connexion. But we have 
now the duty of referring to the nearer and happier 
acquaintance with you, into which we have been brought 
by your residence and labours amongst us, as one of our 
Circuit Ministers, during the last three years. And it 
affords us the highest satisfaction to assure you, that the 
exalted opinion which we had previously conceived of you, 



EEV. EOBEET NEWTOX^ D.D. 



309 



as a Minister of Jesus Christy lias been not only sustained^ 
but greatly strengtliened, by the more frequent oppor- 
tunities wliicli we have recently enjoyed of attending on 
your uiinistry^ and by the occasions on whicli we have been 
privileged to unite with you in counsel and in action,, in 
matters having a direct relation to the cause of God in 
our own Circuit. The steadiness and punctuality of your 
attention to all your ministerial engagements ; the charac- 
teristic urbanity of your spmt and behaviour on all occa- 
sions; the simplicity^ fervour^ and ability of your public 
ministrations ; and, above all, the power and unction from 
above with which, by God^s blessing, your services have 
been connected; have left upon our minds and hearts 
impressions which we trust will never be forgotten, and 
which can never be remembered but with the livehest 
emotions of esteem and gratitude. 

^''The general law of the Connexion — to which, in the 
present instance, we experience some difficulty in yielding 
a very cheerful submission — now closes that more intimate 
connexion which has recently subsisted, so much to our 
advantage, between you and ourselves. But we shall not 
fail to follow you, in spirit, to your new scene of labour, 
with our affectionate remembrance and our fervent prayers. 
Thankful to God that you have been so long preserved in 
life and health, and that, with the exception of a few slight 
hinderances from sickness, you have been able to mxaintain, 
without interruption, and through so many years, a course 
so eminently honourable to yourself, and so serviceable to 
the great object to which your life has been devoted, it is 
now our united and earnest prayer, on your behalf, to that 
God whose you are and whom you serve, that the fulness 
of the Divine blessing may rest on yourself and on your 



310 



LIFE OP THE 



family ; tliat you may be permitted^ for years to come^ to 
continue in tliat work which has hitherto been your glory 
and your joy; and that whensoever it shall please Him 
whom you have so uniformly honoured as the Lord of your 
life and the theme of your ministry, to call you from His 
service in the church on earth to the companionship and 
emxployment of the church above^ the termination of your 
course may furnish the crowning and triumphant demon- 
stration^ and to yourself the glorious reward, of your 
having walked in that path of ^shining light, which 
shineth more and more unto the perfect day/^'' 

This just and beautiful Address having been proposed 
by Dr. Turner and Mr. Eigby, the Circuit Stewards, in 
speeches full of kind and Christian feeling, and adopted 
by the meeting v/ith enthusiastic cordiality. Dr. Newton, 
in reply, remarked, that ^""he could not say that he must 
bespeak the candour of his Christian friends and their 
kind indulgence because he was uimsed to address public 
meetings ; and yet he felt that he was in a peculiar and 
novel condition that evening. He had never addressed 
a public meeting under such circumstances; so that, as 
he had said to some of his friends, he was at a loss what 
to say, and how to give expression to what his heart felt. 
Gratitude had been said to be Hhe memory of the 
heart ; ^ and, if that was a correct definition, he should 
never forget that evening while memory held her seat. 
If gratitude was ^the memory of the heart,^ while the 
heart beat it must feel. He felt that there was everything 
to awaken his gratitude on that occasion. To have heard 
from the lips of Dr. Hannah the sentiments he had 
kindly expressed, was a call on his gratitude. He owed 



HE^T. IIOBEUT NEWTO^^_, D.D. 



811 



persoPial obligation to Dr. Hannah for having come to 
preside on tliat occasion ; for having not only given the 
influence of his name^ (and some of them knew how to 
estimate that^) but also of his different oihcial positions^ 
as the Theological Tutor at Didsbury^ as the Chairman 
of the District-, and as Secretary to the Conference. It 
was a relief to his mind to have such a successor in the 
office of Chairman of the District^ which it had been his 
ov^m lot to hold for the last six years. He did feel 
when removing, and his heart seemed to linger as if 
unwilling to leave the Manchester and Bolton District. 
But it was a great relief to know that his friend Dr. 
Hannah had been appointed Chairman of the District. 
He could not forget, also, that Dr. Hannah was the 
Secretary of the Conference ; and in all these important 
offices they had his influence on that occasion. And yet, 
after all, personal friendship was the highest feeling 
of his heart, in seeing Dr. Hannah that evening where 
they were all so happy to see him. He was personally 
obhged, also, to both the Circuit Stewards, for the 
sentiments which they had so kindly expressed, and to 
aU his friends. He could not say that those eulogistic 
sentiments had gratified him. He sought not the praise 
of man. And yet he hoped he knew how to estimate 
the kind approval and regard of those with whom, for 
the last three years, he had been associated. He thought 
it was a very great treasure to have a good name, which 
was rather to be chosen than great riches. 

''He had been asking himself, 'T\liy all this?' jN^'ot 
because he thought he had any claim on his friends; 
and yet he had been asking himself, ' "\Yhy tliis expression 
of hindness ? ' And he had answered, that it was a proof 



3ia 



LIFE OF THE 



that he had been endeavourmg to teach the doctrines 
of the Gospel of God our Saviour^ — the truth as it is in 
Jesus. That had been his aim and endeavour. He was 
not conscious that he had intentionally shunned to declare 
the whole counsel of Godj or that he had sought to 
soften the truth. God was his witness that he had 
endeavoured^ with all simplicity and plainness^ to declare 
the Gospel of the grace of God. lie took what had 
just taken place as an evidence that his friends held 
those doctrines and valued them. The drawback w^as_, 
that lie had done this so feebly. He was scattering 
abroad all the week,, and had to do as he could^ on his 
return^ for the Sabbath. His friends had helped him, 
and prayed for him. He had administered to his flock 
the sacraments which Christ had ordained in His church. 
He had dedicated many to the Lord in holy baptism; 
and always felt a deep and special interest in the children 
thus dedicated. And then he had also administered 
that solemn sacrament, the supper of the Lord. He had 
one thing to say to his friends in Stockport, — that the 
number of communicants in their Society far exceeded 
anything he had witnessed in any of the Circuits in 
which he had travelled. He would that all were like- 
minded : it was a good indication of their real evangelical 
piety. He had felt great pleasure in addressing the 
Society as such : it w^as a good old usage. There was 
a distinction between the church and the world. Another 
reason which had suggested itself, to account for the 
present occasion, was to be found in that spirit of unity, 
concord, and godly love, which distinguished them as a 
Circuit. He had gone out into other parts, and found 
fault-finding and strife; but when he got home, he 



EEV. EGBERT NEWTON^ D.D. 313 

seemed to have escaped from the storm^ and to be in a 
smooth bay^ where all was calm. And he had enjoyed 
it the more. He prayed that this spirit might abound 
more and more. 

''^As regarded that wliich looked him in the face/^ 
(pointing to the likeness in another part of the room^) 
"a very solemn thought had risen in his heart. It was 
what some people would look at when he lay silent in 
the grave. There might be some who would wish to 
look at it when he was no more ; and if it should serve 
to remind them of anything beneficial^ he should rejoice 
in the result. As to liimself, he should not have chosen 
it. He had sat to be looked at many times ; and^ so 
far as that went^ he confessed he had been quite tired. 
But when he came to sit and stand before the artist for 
the present picture^ his^^ (the artistes) "genius and urbanity 
of manner had made it pleasant. He should think that 
the artist had succeeded, and that it was one of his 
happiest efforts. It would be valued by those dear to 
him, when he was no more among the living in this 
Avorld. 

I "As to the kind things which his friends had said 

' about him, they were their sayings, not his. He knew 
himself better than they did ; and, knowing himself as 
he did, he was disposed, in all sincerity, to lay his crown 
j at the feet of his blessed Saviour, and to say, ^ God be 
' merciful to me a sinner."' He desired to sink lower and 
lower still, in humihty and self-annihilation, at the feet 
of Him to whom his ^more than all was due."* 

"There were two friends present (Mr. Lees and Mr. 
Smith) "to whom he was under special obligation for 
providing him a conveyance to the country places in the 

E E 



314 LIFE OF THE 

Circuit during the three years. He was not a young man^ 
as he once was. Dr. Clarke had once said that he could 
w^alk any man in the Connexion^ except himseK^'' (Dr. 
Newton) ; but when a man had received his fifty-second 
appointment^ it was different. There was another friend/^ 
(James Marshall^ Esq.^) ^^in whose house he had been an 
inmate for some time on his first arrival in the Circuit; 
and from himself, and his better self, and his amiable 
daughters^ he had received all kinds of hospitality. And 
then it had been his happiness to have colleagues w^ho were 
one in heart with himself. He could enter into the feehngs 
of his friend^ Dr. Turner^ on the triennial law. He would 
rather see old friends; and when he was taken away from 
a people to whom he was really attached^ it was pain- 
ful. But then^ it might be overruled for good. He had 
entered Methodism with that understanding. He felt it 
as much as he ever did^ to leave Stockport^ though just 
appointed to a people amongst whom he had before 
laboured. He desired that they would remember him 
where it was the best for them to remember one another^ — 
at the throne of the heavenly grace. They wanted more 
prayer to sanctify that apparatus of means which they had 
among them. And he hoped that those commotions which 
were doing mischief in some quarters would be overruled^ 
and become the occasion of consolidating the Connexion^ 
of uniting the Ministers more than ever_, of greater prayer- 
fulness^ effort^ and zeal for the glory of God and the 
conversion of souls. 

He was a Wesleyan^ — body^ soul^ and spirit. Stilly he 
held no quarrel with any one else because of difi^erent 
views on the circumstantials of religion. He could say^ 
^ Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ 



EEY. EOBERT yEWIOy, D.D. 



315 



in sincerity/ But^ when a man Lacl been a Minister for 
more than half a century^ no one would suspect him of 
becoming a turncoat. Methodism had teen his deliberate 
choice ; and it was as dear to liim as it ever had been. 
He had been affected bv hearing of the death of several 
old friends^ — Jacob Stanley^ TVilham Tevers^ and the excel- 
lent Leonard Posnet ; and these things were admonitory to 
him. There were but two men in the regular work^ at home 
or abroad^ who were in it when he began. He expected 
to die ; but he expected also to live where all is life^ lights 
love^ harmony^ and happiness^ without measure and with- 
out end. He would charge it on his friends to meet him 
in that blessed world above. God forbid that any of them 
should come shorty and be found on the left hand ! They 
must go on; he would meet them there,, in a better world.''^ 
The Rev. Isaac Keeling^ in an appropriate address^ 
presented the likeness of Dr. Xewton to Miss Emma 
Newton^ in the absence of her mother^ and on behaK of 
the family. 

The scene which this happy meeting presented was 
alike honourable to Dr. XeT\i:on and to his friends in 
Stockport. They admired liis temper^ his zeal^ his effective 
preachings liis seK-denial^ his fidehty to the cause of TVes- 
leyan Methodism ; for^ in respect of that cause^ they were 
one with him in judgment and feehng. In common with 
himself they had realized the benefits of the system in their 
personal experience and in their families ; and they were 
too wise to barter a certain good" for the airy speculations 
of rash and misguided men^ whose foUy was manifest to 
every one but themselves. As conservatives of the TTes- 
leyan institutions, the Methodists of Stockport were men 
after Dr. ]N'ewton^s own heart. 



316 



LIFE OF THE 



CHAPTER XV, 

DuitiNG the first year of Dr. Newton^s appointment to 
Liverpool we observe no abatement as to the extent of 
his labours. He travelled as much as he had ever done 
through the kingdom^ seldom allowing himself to spend a 
week-day with his family ; and then only when the number 
of letters addressed to him, requesting his services^ had so 
accumulated^ as to require a considerable time to answer 
them. But whatever applications he received, he kept 
himself at liberty to attend the Anniversary of the Wes- 
leyan Missionary Society in the beginning of May, and to 
meet his faithful Irish brethren in their yearly Conference 
at the close of the following month. His holy cheer- 
fulness was a means of encouragement to the thousands of 
people who were accustomed to meet him on these occasions. 

Such was his improvement of time, that when he took a 
journey of any considerable length, he usually contrived, in 
going and returning, to visit several places. In the spring 
of 1851, in connexion with the Missionary Anniversary 
in London, he preached at Newbury and Hungerford ; and 
in returning from the metropolis he preached at Wednes- 
bury and Shrewsbury. 

At this time the failure of Dr. Newton'^s health became 
increasingly manifest. On Monday, March 17th, 1851, he 
left Liverpool for Staincliffe, in the Birstal Circuit, having 
engaged to preach in the evening in behalf of the trust- 
funds of the Methodist chapel in that place. While he 
was sitting in the railway-carriage he became seriously iU; 
and when he arrived at the Mirfield station, and there left 



EEV. EOBEET XEWTOX^ D.D. 



317 



tlie train^ many of tlie passengers tlionglit lie Tras clpng. 
Some of these persons^ on their arrival at Leeds and other 
places^ declared the condition in Trhich they had left him ; 
and the report was soon spread extensively that Dr. Xevrton 
was dead. Connected with his seizure was another event; 
which is worthy of special record^ as indicating the watchful 
care of Divine Providence. Dr. King^ a medical prac- 
titioner^ of Morley^ near Leeds^ had occasion on that day 
to visit Bradford; and intended to take the train at the 
Morley station for LeedS; bnt arrived too late. He then 
determined to go to Bradford by way of ]\Iirfield; where he 
arrived simultaneously with Dr. Newton^ and accompanied 
him to the house of the Eev. TYiUiam Dawson^ the "Wes- 
leyan Minister then resident in that neighbourhood ; the 
Doctor at that time having all the appearance of a dying 
man. The complaint appears to have been a severe bilious 
affection; and at one time apoplexy was seriously appre- 
hended. Medicine was administered; and other appliances 
were used; without delay ; and these were accompanied by 
the blessing of God; so that the most alarming symptoms 
disappeared. Dr. King remained with liim till the last 
evening traiu; and came to see him the next morning; 
when he found him convalescent. He acted with the 
utmost kindness and promptitude ; yet he absolutely 
refused to accept any feC; his generous mind finding an 
ample recompense in the thought; that he had been the 
means of affording rehef to a man who was so liighly 
esteemed; and whose hfe was of such inestimable value. 

Through the whole of this anxious scene Dr. Xewton 
displayed the utmost calmnesS; fortitude; and even cheer- 
fulness ; for to his sanctified mind the apparent nearness 
of the eternal world was no occasion of terror and alarm. 

2 E 3 



318 



LIPE OF THE 



Having returned home^ lie sent the following letter to 
Mr. and Mrs. Dawson^ at wliose house he had been enter- 
tained during his brief but severe illness. This beautiful 
effusion of a devout and grateful heart bears the date of 
March 24th : — 

My deae Friends, — 

I CAN never forget your great kindness to me in the 
time of need. The events of last Monday I shall ever 
regard as specially providential. That I was enabled to 
get to the Mirfield station, — that Dr. King should have 
just arrived at the same time, — that I should have been 
conveyed to your house, where I met with such attention, 
care, and generous hospitality, — and that the severity of 
the attack so soon subsided, — surely this was the Lord^'s 
doing; so that, while I am thankful to the instruments, 
still I must say, and you wall both unite with me in saying, 
^ To God^s name be all the praise ! 

I got home on Priday morning, to the great joy of my 
dear wife and daughters, who, notwithstanding my letter, 
had heard very alarming reports respecting me. I took 
my regular work yesterday, according to the Plan, without 
difficulty or inconvenience. I beheve, however, that I am 
resolved to take Dr. King^s advice, as to abstaining from 
solid food in the evening, and also to restrict myseK to less 
work. With respect to this all my friends here say, ^So 
let it be.' 

" My earnest prayer to God is, that this visitation may 
be sanctified, so that I may be a holier and a better man ; 
and that, if it shall please the blessed Master to spare me 
a little longer to work for Him, I may be a more useful 
Minister of the New Testament. 



EEV. EOBEET NEWTON^ D,D. 



319 



And now I believe all I can do is to tell tlie Master of 
your kindness to His unworthy servant. My dear wife 
begs to unite with me in Christian love to you both^ with 
her best thanks for your kind attention to her husband. 
Love to the dear children.''^ 

A few weeks after his visit to London he received intel- 
ligence of the death of his sister Ann^ for whom he had 
through life cherished a respectful and tender regard. 
They entered at the same time upon the enjoyments and 
the conflicts of the Christian hfe^ and carried on a corre- 
spondence for many years. Her husband died at Thorpe^, 
near Whitby^ December 2d^ 1838; and she died at the 
same place. On this occasion Dr. Newton wrote to his 
brother Francis under the date of May 21st^ 1851 : — ■ 

" My deae Beothee Peancis^— 

I MrcH regret that I cannot attend the funeral of 
our dear sister Ann on Triday. Sister John is now no 
more; and in the morning I inter the mother of — — . 
What dying worms we be ! But there is a world where 
there is no death. For that world may we live^ and there 
may we aU meet to part no more ! I can scarcely reahze 
the idea^ that I can never^ never see dear Ann again on 
earth ; but we shall recognise each other in heaven. God 
be with you ! My wife and daughters join me in love to 
you aU.^^ 

To another friend^ whose name does not appear^ he 
addressed the following letter at the same time:— And 
is my ever-dear sister Ann no longer an inhabitant of 
this world ? And is she now for ever beyond the reach 



320 



LIFE OF THE 



of pain and sorrow? And has she lingered into life? 
Of her everlasting happiness no doubt can be entertained 
by any one who knew her character, and her faith in 
the truth of the religion of J esus Christ. 

^^How many recollections rush into my mind when 
I think of her ! Our childish days, our riper years, our 
old age ! But she is gone, and I am left behind. But 
we shall meet again ! 

I am greatly obliged by your kind attention to my 
beloved sister, and for your kind letters. I regret that 
I cannot be at the funeral. We are in the midst of the 
District-Meeting. With mournful love to all.'^^ 

Mrs. Ireland was a woman of strong and cultivated 
intellect ; of deep and earnest piety ; dignified in her 
demeanour; and, like her brother Robert, and the other 
members of the family, inviolable in her attachment to 
Wesleyan Methodism. 

Under a tender sense of this bereavement, Dr. Newton 
repaired to the Irish Conference, preaching at two or 
three places in Wales on his way. Prom Dublin he 
addressed the following letter to Mrs. Newton, under 
the date of June 23d: — ''^We had to contend with ^ 
strong head- wind the day I left you ; so that it was time 
for me to be in the pulpit when we landed at Carnarvon. 
The following day I preached twice^ at Holyhead ; and on 
the Saturday morning I was up soon after four o^ clocks 
to take the Government steamer for Dublin. We had 
a good passage, and I arrived in time for a good dinner 
and a hearty welcome in Mountjoy-square. Yesterday 
we had two large congregations in the Abbey-street 
chapel. I preached with freedom, and I hope good was 
done. At ten o^ clock this morning I set off for Belfast, 



EEV. EOBEET NEWTOX^ D.D. 



321 



where I am announced to preacli tliis evenings and w^here 
I hope to arrive by six o^ clock. 

After a long and tedious day of travelling from 
Dublin to this place (BeKast)^ I arrived in time to preach 
in a large chapel^ and to a large congregation. I thanh 
God^ my strength has been proportioned to my day. 
I hope we shall have a good Conference. Take care 
of yourself^ and may God take care of us all ! 

The British Conference was tliis year held in Xew- 
castle j and Dr. Xewton^ after attending several of its 
Preparatory Committees^ went to pay his accustomed visit 
to Derby^ of which he gave Mrs. Xewton notice in the 
following letter^ which bears the date of July 26th: — 
This is Triday evenhig ; and in the morning I set off, 
God wilhng^ for Derby. Mr. Turner is not here : so I 
must travel the long journey as well as I can. 

TTe have had a hard week^ meeting early and late^ 
but have done our best^ and without an unkind word 
or temper; so that, if you had been here, I think you 
would have approved. 

^^I am greatly teased by invitations to preacli anni- 
versary sermons in the different towns of this vicinity; 
but do not intend to take extra service. Prom all I 
hear, Dr. Hannah is hkely to be oik President. I 
devoutly pray that the Lord will direct our way in this 
and all other appointments. 

'^I see many of my brethren, like myself, are getting 
and looking old. "Well; you and I have had our day, 
which, though it has had some clouds, has had more 
sunshine than multitudes are permitted to enjoy. Let 
us therefore thank God, and take courage, not doubting 
that the evening of our life will be useful and happy. 



322 



LIFE OF THE 



I hope we shall live to see all our children converted 
to God. This was my father^s wish and hope respecting 
his children; and it was realized before he exchanged 
earth for heaven. Let us continue to pray for -and expect 
the same. The Lord hear us when we pray ! If I be 
spared^ I shall greatly enjoy the blessings of sweet home 
after the Conference.''^ 

After the business of the Conference was begun^ he 
addressed her again^ under the date of August 4th : — 

Yesterday was a high day in this town. Dr. HannaVs 
sermon in the morning was most evangelical^ and full of 
unction. In the evening I had to preach in the Blenheim- 
street chapel. The Lord was with me. The young men 
who are to be ordained on Wednesday, are giving an 
account of their conversion and call to the Ministry. The 
Lord is yet with us^ and is our glory in the midst of 
us. The agitators are in the town^ doing aU they can 
to harm us. My advice is^ that we mind our own work, 
and not even say, ^ The Lord rebuke thee.'' Truth will 
yet triumph. 

"You will see in the ^ Watchman^ newspaper an 
account of Dr. Bunting^s resignation of his public office, 
as Secretary to the Wesleyan Missionary Society, and of 
the acceptance of his resignation, moved by Mr. Farmer, 
and seconded by your husband. The friends say a like 
scene they never witnessed. He is infirm in body, but 
very devout. 

"Write frequently to me. To see your handwriting, 
amid a heap of letters presented to me, is most grateful. 
Forgive an old husband, with the weiglit of seventy 
years upon his shoulders. My health, I thank God, is 
good. I retire early to rest, and my dormitory is almost as 



REV. ROBEET 2>^EWT0X^ D.J), 



323 



large as the whole of our house put together. Tliis I find 
to be a great advantage. The Lord be with you all 

At this Conference^ Dr. Xewton received an appoint- 
ment^ a second year^ to the Liverpool South Circuit ; but 
he had no longer the bodily ^"igour of which he had 
through life been so remarkable an example. In the 
course of the year he experienced an occasional difficulty 
in breatliing^ and his strength gradually declined : it was 
therefore apparent both to himself and his friends^ that his 
wonderful career of active service was hastening to its 
close; a fact wliich deeply affected many thousands of 
persons^ a large proportion of whom had for years been 
edified and delighted by his speeches and ministry. Their 
feeling of sorrow did not express itself in the utterance of 
unavailing regrets^ nor merely in tears ; for the ATesleyan 
Methodists are an affectionate^ a grateful^ and a generous 
people ; and they felt that two such men as Dr. Bunting 
and Dr. Newton^ on retiring fr-om the public work in 
which they had been so long and so usefully employed^ 
ought to receive some token of pubhc respect which to 
them should prove a substantial benefit in the decKne of 
hfe; and especially that they should be exempted from the 
inconveniences which arise from an insufficient income. 
They had devoted their eminent talents^ through a long life^ 
to the interests of ATesleyan Methodism^ both in its home 
and foreign departments^ and had rendered such services 
to it. as few other men had rendered since its venerated 
rounder passed to his final reward. It was therefore pro- 
posed to raise a fund which would be sufficient to secure 
to each of them an annuity for life. It was recommended,, 
that the fund should be denominated ^^the Testimonial 
Tundj^^ for it was to be a declaration of respect for the 



324 



LIPE OE THE 



distinguislied men in whose behalf it was raised ; and when 
they should be placed beyond the need of all human aid^ 
the fund was to be applied to the support of the Wesleyan 
Missions^ and of aged Ministers and widows. The annuity 
granted to each of these venerated servants of Christ was 
not to be less than one hundred pounds per anmtm, nor 
more than two hundred. 

The scheme was originated at the time of the Newcastle 
Conference^ by friends convened from various parts of the 
kingdom. A Committee was at length appointed to carry 
it into effect. Messrs. Tarmer and Heald undertook the 
office of Treasurers^ and Mr. Edward Corderoy^ of Lambeth^ 
that of Secretary. The concurrence of the eminent men 
whom it was intended to honour and to benefit was^ of 
course^ requested. Dr. Newton^s answer, addressed to Mr. 
Corderoy, Avas as follows : — - 

"My dear Sie,— 

" I HAVE received your kind and Christian letter, and 
hasten to acknowledge its reception. Of the meeting of 
the lay friends in Newcastle-upon-Tjme, and of subsequent 
movements, I knew nothing until I saw the announcement 
in the 'Watchman.' When, in 1799, I entered the Wes- 
leyan Ministry, I had no regard to pecuniary considerations 
whatever. I coveted no man's silver or gold ; and having 
had ''food and raiment' up to the present time, therewith 
' I have been content.' I have, indeed, had some flattering 
offers from some other quarters, which, had they been 
accepted, would have greatly augmented my temporal sup- 
plies ; but I never could hesitate for one moment : being 
sacredly pledged to Methodism, 'the vows of the Lord 
were upon me,' nor had I any wish or desire to be any 



EEY. EOBEET TsEWTON^ D.D. 



325 



thing but an liumble, faitliM^ useful Wesley an Minister. 
It is^ however^ very gratifying in these times to see such a 
Testimonial furnished by the true-hearted friends of Consti- 
tutional Methodism. That it is a United Testimonial is to 
me stiU more agreeable^ as it wdll transmit my unworthy 
name to posterity in connexion with that of my beloved 
friend and coeval in public life^ Dr. Bunting. With 
cordial consent to what is proposed_, and with many 
thanks to your excellent Treasurer^ to yourself^ and the 
Committee^ &c.^ I am 

" Yours most truly^ 

Robert Newton. 
^^Burton'On'Trent, Sejotemher ?>Qth, 1851.''^ 

Dr. Bunting^s answer was equally grateful and Christian 
in its tone and spirit. 

The project was no sooner laid before the Methodists 
generally^ than it met with a hearty response j so that the 
fund was collected with comparative ease. England^ as 
was fitting, supplied the bulk; Scotland sent its con- 
tingent; Wales contributed; Ireland excellently helped; 
the Channel Islands were represented ; Prance was found 
in the Hst; the East and West Indies did not withhold 
their aid; South Australia was early associated with the 
effort ; and even Shetland added to the amount. 

In the month of March, 1852, there was a meeting 
in London of the leading friends of Methodism from all 
parts of the land, for the purpose of consultation on Con- 
nexional affairs ; and, as many of the subscribers to this fund 
were present, it was proposed that they should assemble in 
the Centenary HaU, in the evening of the 1 6th, to receive 
a report of the amount contributed, and to determine what 

r E 



326 



LIFE OF THE 



future measures sliould be adopted. The attendance of tlie 
two Doctors was respectfully requested. The following are 
their replies^ addressed to the Secretary : — 

Seacombe, March %t]i, 1852. 

"My dear Sir, — 

"I HOPE to be with you on the evening of the 16th 
instant, to meet those friends who have given such a 
practical and generous expression of regard to my dear 
friend Dr. Bunting and myself. I have had a severe 
attack of influenza, but am much better. My cough, 
which was distressing, is entirely gone. My physician, 
however, tells me I must greatly abridge my labours, 
or they will soon terminate. I must bow to the indica- 
tions of Divine Providence, aud submit myself unto 
God : probably I shall soon have to retire into some 
corner, where I must try to do a little work for the blessed 
Master as He shall enable me. I am in good hands, and 
can say, 'Father, Thy will be done.' With hearty love 
and gratitude to all, I am 

" Yours most truly and obliged, 

Robert Newton."^' 

30, Myddelton-square, March YWi, 1852. 
*''My dear Sir, — 

.'^I most heartily thank you. for the favour of 
your two gratifying notes, received on Friday evening and 
this morning. The so speedy and gratifying completion 
of the plan for a United Testimonial to Dr. Newton and 
myself, w^ould, under any circumstances, have afforded 
to me a grateful surprise; but, under the actual circum- 
stances and position of our Connexion, is really wonderful. 



EEV. ROBERT NEWTON^ D.D. 327 

and excites emotions of no ordinary tliankfiilness to God^ 
and to our kind friends in general, and especially, allow 
me to add, to the Treasurers and to yourself for your 
successful prosecution of the scheme. 

I shaR feel it my pleasant duty to attend to your 
kind summons on Tuesday evening, the 16th instant. I 
have, indeed, no aptitude for engagements of a ceremonial 
or complimentary character, however interesting may be 
the occasion, and my nature and habit make me unaf- 
fectedly shrink fi'om them. But I feel that it would be 
an injustice to my own deep sense of obligation, as well 
as to the kindness of my friends, if I were, from any 
personal disinclination, to decHne meeting them on such 
an occasion as this. I am greatly relieved and encouraged 
by learning from your last communication, that my dear 
friend Dr. Newton intends to be present. I am sure 
that he, by the blessing of God, will give that utterance 
to our common sentiments, for which neither my powers, 
my state of voice, nor my feeble and still failing health 
at all quahfy me. I trust that your own health is some- 
what better. Praying that it may be fully restored and 
long spared, I am, with much respect and affection. 
My dear Sir, 

Your obliged and faithful friend, 

Jabez Bu^'TIXG.■'^ 

The meeting at the Centenary Hall was numerously 
attended, and was eminently an occasion of holy joy. 
Mr. Edward Corderoy set forth, in an eloquent and 
beautiful speech, the extraordinary services of the honoured 
men in whose behaK the friends were then assembled, 
and proposed the follo^dng Resolutions : — 

2 E 3 



328 



LIFE OP THE 



Pirst : That the members of this meeting desire to 
express the high admiration and esteem with which^ for 
many years^ they have regarded the character^ talents^ and 
pubHc services of the Rev. Dr. Bunting and the Eev. Dr. 
Newton. In doing so^ they would first offer their devout 
thanksgiving to Him who has ^ the stars in His right 
hand/ for the favour of His having given,, and for more 
than fifty years preserved^ to the Wesleyan-Methodist 
Connexion^ two Ministers so eminently gifted. They 
would^ in the second place^ tender to these distinguished 
Ministers their affectionate congratulations on the high 
position they have so long and honourably occupied^ and 
on the important service which they have been the instru- 
ments of renderings not only to the Connexion which 
rejoices to claim them as peculiarly its own^ by the eleva- 
tion of their character^ their evangelical and powerful 
ministry^ and their unwavering maintenance of the great 
principles involved in the doctrines and economy of Wes- 
leyan Methodism; but also to the church of Christ in 
general^ and to the world at large^ by the lustre of their 
talents and virtues^ and by their unwearied advocacy of 
evangelical enterprise and universal charity. Next^ in 
contemplating their advanced age^ and the comparative 
retirement from active service which declining health may 
render necessary^ the members of this meetings while 
bowing in submission to the Divine will^ would indulge 
themselves in a chastened intimation of the mournful 
regret which tinges^ though it may not darken^ the better 
and brighter feelings which^ in the review of the grateful 
past^ and still more in the prospect of the heavenly 
future^ are appropriate to this occasion. And further^ 
the members of this meeting unite in earnest prayer to 



EEV. ROBEET NEWTOX^ D.D. 



329 



God, on belialf of these His beloved servants, that they 
may be long spared to give the benefit of their influence 
and counsel, and also, as far as may be, of their public 
ministry, to the Connexion which they have so gTeatly 
served and honoured; that their declining years may be 
enriched with that ^comfort of the Spirit^ which has 
been so largely, tlirough their instrumentality, dis- 
pensed to others; and that the conclusion of their work 
on earth may bring to them the glorious recompense 
of an abundant entrance into ''the joy of their Lord/ 

Second : In accordance with the preceding Eesolution, 
the members of this meeting gratefully acknowledge the 
liberal response which has been given to an appeal made 
by certain Wesleyan laymen for contributions to a United 
Testimonial Pund, with a view to a suitable provision for 
the retirement of the two Ministers in ijuestion, and for 
the circumstances of certain members of their families ; 
and now hereby very respectfully request the Eev, Dr. 
Bunting and the Rev. Dr. Xewton to accept, as the result 
of such contributions, an annuity for life of £200, to be 
payable to each of them respectively, from the date of 
their ceasing to receive the usual ministerial stipend, 
together with the assurance of a reduced annuity after 
their decease to their unmarried daughters, to be con- 
tinued so long as each of these daughters severally shall 
live and remain unmarried."*^ 

Mr. Garland, of Redruth, and Mr. Falconar, of 
Newcastle, in appropriate speeches, supported the Reso- 
lutions, which were carried unanimously. 

The whole audience then rose, and Mr. Farmer, the 
Chairman, presented to each of the venerable Doctors a copy 
of the Resolutions beautifully ^Titten on vellum ; remarking 

2 P 3 



330 



LIFE OP THE 



that the pecuniary provision v/as not to be regarded in 
the light of a compensation^ or even as an acknowledg- 
ment^ but as a spontaneous offering for services which it 
was impossible to appreciate on monetary principles. 

Dr. Bunting said : Mr. Chairman^ and Christian 
friends^ and— as the Chairman happily appended to liis 
introductory remarks — Methodist friends^, you may easily 
conceive under vv^hat a tumult of feehng I have been 
labouring ever since I entered this room^ and under what 
a tumult of feeling I must be labouring at tliis moment. 
I have,, no doubt^ many faults ; I am conscious of them^ and 
of the manifestation of them during one or other period of 
my life ; but I think I was never ungrateful^ except to God. 
My heart readily^ warmly^ thankfully responds to every 
feeling and every manifestation of kindness. You see^ I 
think, from the gHmpse you have of me^ that I am not in a 
condition to do justice either to my own feelings, or to your 
kindness. I labour under great infirmity. Long may it 
be before my beloved friend, Dr. I\ ewton, is exercised m\h 
the same kind of infirmity ! I labour under a great 
infirmity of memory. But I am thankful to say, that, 
when a subject or proposition of any kind is laid before 
me, and a statement made, I am as able to comprehend it, 
and, for the time being, to exercise my mind upon it, as I 
ever was. This is a mercy which I may appreciate. But 
I do labour under great infirmity of memory. I feel that I 
cannot apply my mind to the delivery of sentiments whose 
enunciation would occupy much time. If, therefore, I 
should on tliis occasion attempt the expression of that 
which my heart feels, I know that I should break down. 
I labour under great infirmity of voice also. Long may 
my friend be kept from this infirmity ! In addition, I 



REV. ROBEET NEWTON, D.D. 



331 



labour under au infirmity arising out of the humiliating 
feehng with which I have listened to the many kind obser- 
vations, in reference to me, which have just been made. 
I am humbled before God, I must not, however, do 
injustice, or offer discourtesy, to the friends who expressed 
those kind feehngs, by saying how much they have exag- 
gerated any claims I may possibly have upon their kind- 
ness, because love is very prone to exaggerate, and I take 
that very exaggeration as a proof of their love and regard. 
I think we have, in the apostohc writings, some instances 
of exaggeration which those whose hearts are rightly influ- 
enced may, under certain circumstances, fall into. Therefore, 
I thankfully, gratefully, and yet very humbl}", accept of this 
kind offering. I thank you, my Christian friends, who 
have been contributors to the United Testimonial. I do not 
affect to deny, that it is very acceptable to me. I do not 
affect to conceal that it is gratifying to me, — in many 
respects beyond my power of expression. I thank you. 
It is comfortable to know, at the close of life, at the termi- 
nation of all these conflicts and agitations, that one stands 
well in the good opinion, if not of the whole of our fellow- 
men, at least in that of our fellow-Christians and fellow- 
Methodists. You have been kind enough to overlook 
many things on which you might have found occasion to 
animadvert, and, on many occasions, you have taken the 
will for the deed. It is gratifying, especially, after the 
circumstances to which my friend Mr. Farmer has alluded, 
— after so many attempts at vituperation and misrepre- 
sentation, of which I am not now going to complain. 
I can make allowance for difference of judgment, and dif- 
ference of views, and the different aspects in which one is 
contemplated ; but still the fact is the same. I have had^ 



332 



LIFE OP THE 



with my friend^ to pass tlirougli ^ evil report and good 
report ; ^ but it is gratifving to know tliat you^ Methodists^ 
acquit me. You may think that I have been mistaken, 
but you think that I have been honest ; you think that I 
have intended well ; vou think that it is not from a want 
of tolerable consideration tljat I have taken the course I 
have. I thank you for this. There are some to whom 
I think it right to express my particular acknowledgments : 
I refer to my esteemed and honoured friends^ the Trea- 
surers and Secretary^ as well as to the Committee with 
whom they have been associated^ and in conjunction with 
whom they have acted. I am sure that success is mainly 
attributable to their influence and ability^ and I hope they 
will allow me to thank them. I should have been happy 
to convey these thanks to the co-Treasurer^ as well as to 
yourselves ; but as he is not with us^ perhaps Mr. Farmer 
will convey to him these acknowledgments. Above all^ 
however^ I thank God. On a somewhat similar occasion^ 
wliich took place in XewcastlC; in the Committee of Re\dew, 
when most affecting expressions of kindness had been 
addressed to me^ I could not help exclaiming^ in the fulness 
of my heart,, ^Lord^ what am or what is my father'^s 
house^ that Thou hast brought me^ even me/ hither^ and 
placed me in such a position of pri^dlege and honour ? ' I 
say so to-night; and give to God the glory. It is no 
small mercy, after fifty-three years of pubhc Kfe, to be able 
to preserve such a conscience for one's-self, and such a repu- 
tation as that there should have been no stain^ no shame, 
felt by those with whom we have been acting, but they 
still look upon us as their friends, and the objects of their 
esteem. It is the Lord^s doing ; H-e keepeth the feet of 
His saints : and I give the glory to His name. I must 



HEV. ROBEET XEWTOX^ D.D. 



383 



also take the liberty of thanking those of my brethren 
in the Ministry who^ notTrithstanding the intimation that 
they were not desired to take any part in the matter^ have 
put down their names^ and otherwise materially forwarded 
the plan. I hope they will accept this acknowledgment^ 
as it may be almost my last opportunity of testifying my 
strongs grateful^ affectionate regard, not only for the Metho- 
dist people, but also for the Methodist Ministry. They are 
a godly set of men. I have known as much of them as 
most people. They are not angels ; but many of them are 
as angehc as most Ministers ; and they are earnest in doing 
the will of our Pather in heaven. They are entitled to the 
esteem and affection of our people ; and they have, during 
tlie coarse of a long life, by many acts of kindness and 
indulgence, entitled themselves to mine. TTith reference 
to the Testimonial itself, there are so many gTatiiying things 
in connexion ^dth it, not only as to the spirit, but as to 
the mode and plan adopted, that I must beg leave to 
express the entire approbation of my own judgment as 
to every part of the plan. I approve of the object to wliich 
the reversion of this fund is devoted. Perhaps, there may 
be some little difference of feeling about that ; but to me 
it is a strong ground of satisfaction, that you have thought 
of our Methodist Missions. In the providence of God, I 
am now cut off from taking any active part in this great 
movement, but I cannot but feel deeply and permanently 
interested in them. I am glad, therefore, that when I am 
dead and gone, and when my not quite immortal, but ever- 
green friend. Dr. jN'ewton, is gone, that the Missionary 
cause will be ultimately benefited by a part of the rever- 
sionary interest of this Testimonial. Of course, I feel 
equally gratified that a portion of that reversion will be 



334 



LIFE OF THE 



devoted in perpetuity to those who^ like myself, may become 
superannuated^ and to their widows. How many have I 
known^ pious^ excellent men^ who lived and laboured^ and 
were giants in their days^ that have left behind them 
mdows^ who have certainly a strong claim on the grateful 
recollections of those with whom their partners lived and 
died ! I approve of that part of the arrangements ; and T 
do not know of what part I do not approve : there must 
have been some wise heads as well as warm hearts engaged. 
I thank you for what has been done and said^ but especially 
for what has been felt; for the doing in this matter is 
chiefly valuable on account of the feeling from which it 
emanated. I wish for yourselves and your families all 
temporal and spmtual prosperity. I pray that upon our 
Society in all its arrangements^ upon all our officers^ and 
upon all our members^ as well as upon all their Ministers^ 
a copious outpouring of the Holy Spirit may take place. 
That will wonderfully put everything right. jNTone of us 
wish to establish what is wrong. Let it be pointed out to 
us^ and shown that it is a wrongs and we shall rejoice to 
have it removed. I do not think that in our Society there 
exists so much wrong as some people imagine. I think 
that many things which are wrongs arise from something 
defective in our own Christian feelings either towards God 
or one another. I am steadfastly attached to Methodism 
in all its essentials^ as well to its discipline as its doctrine ; 
to its whole economy^ by which purity of doctrine^ purity 
of morals^ and sound Christian experience are maintained 
and perpetuated. The Eeport intimates that I and my 
friend have been servants^ not merely to Methodism^ but 
to the church of Christ. That is a feeling which I have 
always cherished. I am a firm Methodist^ a decided 



EEY. EOBEET SE^VTOy, D.D. 



335 



Methodist^ and I tliiiik I liave a right to be so ; but I am 
more a Christian than I am a denominational Methodist^ or 
a denominational anything. ^ Grace^ mercr^ and peace to 
all them who love oni' Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity ! ^ 
Throughout the whole of my public life I have endeavoui'ed 
to maintain this as my predominant feehng^ and^ whenever 
opportunity served^ to manifest that it was predominant. 
Excuse my imperfections in speech and in language. If I 
could^ I would gratify you as much as Mr. Corderoy and 
Mr. Garland have gratified me : it is not^ hoAvever^ in my 
power^ and you will accept the will for the deed.^^ 

Dr. Xewton next addressed the Meeting : 'Mr, Chair- 
man and Christian friends^ I find myself at this moment 
labouring under feehngs wliich entnely incapacitate me 
from addressing you_, — in circumstances perfectly novels — 
a position^ in the like of which I never before found 
myself. A\'hat shaU I say? "What can I say? I am 
caUed upoii to acknowledge the liberality of my kind 
and generous friends in various parts of the Connexion^ 
at home and abroad^ and to acknowledge the kindness 
of not a few of my dear and honoured brethren in the 
holy Ministry^ who have contributed so generously to 
this Testimonial. Xow^ were I to say^ that I deeply^ 
gratefuUy^ feel my obligation to you^ I should speak 
words of truth and words of soberness; but I knoAv 
that human lips are dust,, that human words are air^ 
and therefore my friends must give me credit for feehng — 
deeply feeling — thanks I cannot speak. Language is 
imperfect. Xo arrangement of language that I could 
form at this moment could adequately body forth the 
feelings of gratitude which beat in this besom. On my 
part^ this has been altogether unlooked for. I have 



336 



LIEE OF THE 



laboured for nearly fifty-three years in the work of the 
holy Ministry^ in the Wesleyan Connexion^ and I never 
wished to be in any other; but I never laboured with 
respect to anything of this sort. Brought to- the enjoy- 
ment of Divine truth by Wesleyan instrumentaUty, I gave 
myself early to the Lord; and from my nineteenth year 
to this day^ I have been honoured with a place among 
Methodist Preachers ; and I think that up to about a 
few years ago^ during the whole time of this ministry^ 
I had not been absent from my duties through indisposi- 
tion^ more than four or five Sabbaths. With so great 
an amount of physical strength had I been favoured by 
Divine Providence^ that my work was never any fatigue 
to me. Por forty years I never knew the meanings by 
personal experience^ of the word ^ tired.'' My work^ 
therefore^ was my delight. But I never had any idea of 
such an occasion as this. When I heard of the move- 
ment^ I was greatly surprised; yet I thought within 
myself, that it originated spontaneously^ and without any 
hint^ directly or indirectly^ I am sure^ from myself ; and 
I considered that I was getting an old man^ and that 
though my health had been so hale and vigorous^ yet 
dark days would come. I knew further^ that I had never 
saved one shilling from Methodism in my life ; and that 
any little income I have had^ has annually gone in the 
service of Methodism. I may say now^ at the close of 
a public life^ have coveted no man\s silver or gold."* 
Never^ never ! Having had food and raiment^ therewith 
I have been content. I have been permitted by the good 
providence of God to continue in the regular Circuit- 
work nearly fifty -three years. This is a loud call on my 
gratitude to Him whose I am^ and whom I serve. But I 



KEY, EOBEET XE^TOX; D.D. 



am free to confess^ tliat wliat mv kind friends have no^T 
done relieves my mind from any solicitude respecting 
the days of feebleness Tvhicli I know^ if I live a little 
longer^ will come j and to have the comforts of hfe in 
one^s declining years is a gTeat mercy. I do not under- 
value the generosity of my numerous friends. Then it has 
been a very cheering thought to me^ — and the circiun stance 
has been suitably alluded to by my dear and honoui^ed 
friend (Dr. Bunting)^ — ^^that when we are gathered 
to our fathers, a considerable accession will hereafter be 
made to valuable funds. From tliis undertaking the old 
Preachers^ and the widows of those who have gone before^ 
will be benefited^ and also the Mission cause^ so dear 
to this heart for so many years. I have been told^ that 
I do not know how to say ''Xay/ when called to advo- 
cate the cause of Missions. I do not wish to say "^Xay;' 
and if I should be the means in any way of forwarding 
that cause^ I am sure I should feel gTateful to the God 
of my life. Another remark : It has been stated that my 
honoured friend and myself have been coevals. It is true 
we came out in the same year^ and we have held on side 
by side nearly fifty-thr-ee years ; and I do not think that 
during the whole period we ever exchanged a shy look. 
I do not know that we ever entertained an unpleasant 
feelings — that we ever had a cold thought towards each 
other. You know with what ability my excellent friend 
has exerted himself to promote the interests of AYesleyan 
Methodism^ both at home and abroad ; and I am free to 
confess^ that^ after all this^ the very idea of my unworthy 
name going down to posterity coupled with that of my 
dear and honoured friend^ excites in my mind inexpressible 
feelings. Pleasant in life^ in death we shall not be divided. 

G G 



338 



LIPE OP THE 



I beg all my friends to accept my warmest thanks. 1 
shall never forget my obligations while memory holds her 
seat. Then as to the great cause with which we are 
connected: I have no fears respecting its future, if we 
steadily abide by our first principles. Maintain that 
system of Christian theology to which we have sub- 
scribed, handed down to us by our venerable Pounder; 
and maintain that state of discipline which he enforced; 
and the system which has made us what we are, will 
make us more than we are ! After seeing the well- 
working of Methodism for so many years, I should be 
jealous of touching the ark of God. Anything like an 
organic change we must not make, and by the grace of 
God will not make. If any modifications can be made, 
which will not injure the cause, and which are calculated 
to render our laws more simple, I shall be thankful; but 
I hope that no modification will be made for its own 
sake alone. I think that there is very little we can 
do to improve that system which has been working well 
so long. It has not lost its energy. In a hundred years 
its vision has not become dim, nor is its natural strength 
decayed ; it can still do what it has done : let it have 
free course, and it will yet spread more and more. I 
have no fear of its sinking into oblivion. Some people 
say, ^ Methodism has done its work ; it has had its day."' 
I believe that Methodism has not had its day, and that 
the church of Jesus Christ cannot afford to lose such 
an instrumentality. Although Methodism has been the 
joy of my heart for more than half a century, yet I hope 
I am no bigot. I have been in circumstances of friendly 
intercourse with Ministers of other denominations, espe- 
cially with Clergymen of the Established Church; and 



KEX, EOBEET NEWTO^'^ D.D. 



339 



I have preached many sermons^ and begged hundreds 
of pounds^ for the London Missionary Society. Again 
I thank yon, my fiiends, for yonr gTeat kindness ; and 
I pray that the God of onr fathers may send His blessing 
upon yon and yours for ever/^ 

The Secretary stated that Mr. Farmer earnestly desired 
that the United Testimonial Fund should reach eight 
thousand pounds : towards the sum now deficient of that 
amount; the Chairman (who would still remain one of the 
Committee^ s Treasurers) would not refuse to receive sub- 
scriptionS; but he had at once generously guaranteed^ that 
eight thousand pounds shoidd be the total amount raised 
for the purposes of the fund. 

The day after this very remarkable meeting_, Dr. Xewton 
thus addressed his wife and daughters by letter: — '^1 was 
brought safely from Liverpool to the metropolis on the day 
I left yoU; and met with a most fi'iendly reception in 
Finsbury-square. I had a fire in my bed-room^ and had 
a good night. I sat the whole of yesterday in the Com- 
mittee which I came to attend. At six o^clock the sub- 
scribers to the Testimonial Fund assembled. The meet- 
ing was very large and respectable. It was opened by the 
President of the Conference ; and Thomas Farmer^ Esq.^ 
was then called to the chair. Ladies were there. Many 
speakers addressed the meeting ; and things were said of 
Dr. Bunting and myself, which you will not expect me to 
repeat. The fund was found to be within six or seven 
hundred pounds of eight thousand. Before the meeting 
concluded; Mr. Farmer engaged to make the amount eight 
thousand pounds. "What a man is he ! The highest 
annuity is therefore settled; that is; two hundred pounds 
per anmim for each of us. 



340 



LIFE OP THE 



The Doctor is very infirm^ and spoke with difficulty, 
I was called to follow. It was deemed a most happy 
meeting. 

I find that I cannot get excused before Friday morn- 
ing. The Committee which is now meeting is very large. 
Friends are present from all parts of the Connexion. The 
President would call upon me to engage in prayer. Thank 
God^ I felt at liberty. I hope we shall have a most har- 
monious meeting. The Lord direct and guide us ! My 
friends say that I am a much less man than formerly; 
but that I look healthy.'^'' 

The Annual Meeting of the Liverpool District^ of which 
Dr. Newton was the Chairman^ was held this year in the 
vestry of Mount-Pleasant chapel in that town in the month 
of May. When the usual question was proposed, Do all 
the brethren in this District believe and teach our doc- 
trines P''^ his name was announced; and he answered, ^^I 
know no change, except that, as I draw nearer to the grave, 
the conviction in my mind becomes strong'er, that they are 
^ the truth as it is in Jesus. 

When the inquiry was made, Do any of the brethren 
in this District become Supernumeraries at the next Con- 
ference?^^ the venerable Chairman rose from his seat; a 
breathless silence ensued ; and he said, My work is done. 
For more than half a century I have been permitted to 
serve Methodism; but I feel that I must retire from the 
work of a Circuit : and I do so cheerfully. My Master 
calls me, and I obey."^^ 

To one of his daughters he thus wrote from Dublin, 
June 29th: — *'^We had overflowing congregations on the 
Sabbath, and a capital collection. Last night we held the 
Missionary Meeting. The collection was twice as much as 



EEY. EOBEET XEWTOy^ D.D. 



341 



was the collection of last year. Poor Pat cannot lielp 
being generous. I tliink Irish air and Irish fare have 
done me good.^^ 

The British Conference was this year held in Sheffield ; 
and Dr. Xewton lodged in the house of Miss Jones, whose 
father and mother^ then in the paradise of God^ were long 
his sincere and valued friends. On the Sunday before the 
opening' of the Conference^ he paid his yearly visit to 
Derby^ and in the evening preached with gTeat energy, 
on Eom. i. 16 : I am not ashamed of the Gospel of 
Christ : for it is the power of God unto salvation to every 
one that beheveth; to the Jew firsts and also to the 
Greek."'^ At the close of the discom-se he said, And 
now^ my dear friends^ I have finished my last sermon as a 
regular TTesleyan Itinerant Preacher.^^ He then brietly 
sketched his career ; and stated the reasons which had 
forced liim to retire from the full duties of his ministry ] 
namely, his failing health, his increasing years, and the 
sense of weariness and fatigue, to which for upwards of liaK 
a century he had been a stranger. He added^ that he felt 
a satisfaction in the thought that his regular ministerial 
labours should end among a people with whom he had been 
so long and so closely connected, and to whom he was so 
strongly attached. A deep feeling pervaded the assembly. 

The follo^nng extracts from letters which he wrote to 
Mrs. Xewton wiU throw farther Hght upon his history at 
this hnportant period : — ''July 27th. I thank God, I am 
quite as well, after all my labour, as I was when I left you, 
I had a good day at Luton, where the friends have built a 
large beautifal chapel. At Eaton-Bray I preached twice 
on the Friday. On Saturday I travelled to Derby, where 
we had large and interesting congregations on Sunday. I 

2 G 3 



342 



LIFE OP THE 



arrived here on Monday, and attended Committees on that 
day and Tuesday. The Testimonial Tund was reported by 
Mr. Heald, and it was nnanimously agreed to recommend 
it to the Conference. 

The Conference began yesterday morning with great 
solemnity and piety. Mr. Scott was elected the President 
by a large majority, and Mr. Tarrar the Secretary. Tlie 
subscriptions and collections to the different institutions 
are larger than they were the last year. 

I have already received invitations to preach occasional 
sermons, since I came here, which would require twice 
fifty-two Sabbaths, were there so many in the ensuing 
year.'''' 

August 6th. — It is now determined that I shall be a 
Supernumerary, with the kindest affection and sympathy 
of my brethren. I preached in the evening of the Con- 
ference Sunday, in the Carver-street chapel. Eom. i. 16 
was my text ; and I am told that I never preached better 
in my life. I thought you were praying for me. 

The Conference beg that I will now take a Httle rest, 
and resume public work as I can conveniently do ^dth it. 
Invitations crowd upon me; but I must learn to say, ^'No/ 
We have had some most delightful public services, and 
cannot say, as matter of doubtful inquiry, ^Is the Lord 
among us or not ?^ I retire from public work with a higher 
opinion of the Wesleyan Conference than I ever before 
entertained. Our reply to the men who wish to revolu- 
tionize our system is calm, temperate, and Christian, as 
you will see when you read it. 

^^Miss Jones has this day invited Montgomery and 
Holland, the two Sheffield poets, to dine with us. It was 
to me, and good Mr. Waugh, most agreeable. Mont- 



EEY, ROBEET ^EWTO^^^ D.B. 



343 



gomery inquired after yon with mnch Christian affection. 
He says he loves Methodism^ and that Sheffield owes much 
to it. What a fine specimen he is of an aged Christian 
man and poet^ sanctified by the grace of God ! 

It is a call to gratitude to God^ that I retne with more 
respect and affection from Ministers and people than I ever 
before witnessed. May our last days or years be happy 
and useful ! I have not time to read what I have written. 
God bless you 

The following Resolution^ which the Conference adopted 
on the occasion of Dr. Xewton^s retirement from the full 
duties of the Ministry^ after a union with that body of fifty- 
three years^ declares most emphatically the estimation in 
which he was held^ and the respect which his character and 
talents commanded : — 

^^The Conference^ having heard^ with deep regret^ that 
Dr. Newton finds it absolutely necessary^ from the failure 
of his health during the past year^ and from the growing 
infirmities of advanced age^ to retire from the regular duties 
of our Ministry, cannot allow the occasion to pass ^vithout 
expressing its unaffected concern at the loss about to be 
sustained in the Connexion, by his comparative cessation 
from the extraordinary labours in which he has been 
engaged, for upwards of fifty years, with so great uni- 
formity, energy, eloquence, and success. The Conference 
records its earnest hope and prayer, that the sanctifying 
consolations of the Divine Presence may be largely vouch- 
safed to him in these new circumstances j and assures him 
that, while he carries with him the testimony of his own 
approving conscience, in reference to liis work and motives, 
and the favour of Him whom he has so long served, he 
has also the cordial esteem and grateful affection of his 



344 



LIFE OF THE 



brethren^ and of the people^ by whom his evangelical 
labours have ever been highly appreciated^ and by whom 
the memory of his ministry will be cherished, when, in the 
order of Divine Providence, he shall have passed to his 
heavenly rest. While the Conference earnestly hopes that 
Dr. Newton will occupy his usual place in its annual 
sittings, and take part in its proceedings, so long as his 
health will permit, its ardent prayers will be presented to 
Almighty God, that, amidst the infirmities of years, he may 
be mercifully favoured with the increase of spiritual 
strength; that he may yet be permitted to enjoy frequent 
opportunities of preaching the common salvation ; and that 
the evening of his life may be cloudless and serene, bright- 
ened and cheered by the presence of his Lord, and full of 
confidence, joy, and hope.'^'' 

The following reminiscences of Dr. Newton, relating 
especially to this period of his eventful history, which 
have been kindly supplied by the Eev. William M. 
Bunting, are equally correct and beautiful, and will form 
an appropriate conclusion of this chapter :— 

^^I could never bring myself to believe Dr. Newton a 
failing, or even an aged, man, until he made his appear- 
ance at the Shefiield Conference in 1852. ^Mr, Newton^ 
(the style he was longest and most fondly known by) 
— in association with the early Missionary services, with 
chapel-openings of rare joyousness and solemnity, and 
with an aristocracy of Methodist 'Preachers, who have 
left no inheritors of their transcendent power — had been 
the brightest of my school-boy and holiday memories, 
reaching back over as many as five-and-thirty years. 
And at the heginning of those years he was, as I saw, 
and as I now recall him, in the full splendour of his 



UEV. EOBEET NEWTO^s^^ D.D. 



345 



manhood and ministrj. And yet^ as I had never imagined 
him youngs so neither did I expect him ever to be old 
in my time^ or ever to be any other than the physically 
^perfect man^ I had always known him. The w^elcome 
delusion was firsts and at once, dispelled on the evening 
before the sessions of that Sheffield Conference com- 
menced; when, with emotions, some of wdiich I should 
not choose to express, I observed him, as he entered one 
of the Committee-rooms, enveloped in his cloak, and 
quietly took a seat (which he retained to the end of 
the meeting) close beside the door. In any assembly less 
engrossed with important business, even the aged would 
have arisen, and the Princes refrained talking, till he had 
found his place among them : but here his entrance was 
almost unperceived ; and any eye that wandered that way 
saw but the noble deportment, the somewhat pensive 
countenance, and the now undisguised infirmities of him 
— miles emenkis — whose honours, however, were amply 
accorded on the followdng morning, on the platform of 
the Conference. Thereafter, with what tenderness and 
reverence did I watch his daily walk, with slow step and 
stooping gait, and leaning on the envied arm of his old 
friend, Mr. Waugh, between the chapel and their Con- 
ference-home ! Then came — preceded, or followed, by the 
resignation of his place among the Travelling Preachers 
— the incident of his persevering demand, on the plea of 
weakness^ to be exonerated from his public appointment 
on the Lord^s day. His self-distrust was finally overcome 
by, I think, a vote of the Conference ; and he preached, 
at Carver-street, that masterly, that marvellous sermon 
of his on Eom. i. 16, (one of those serm^ons in which 
I have always thought that he showed himseK by far the 



346 



LIFE OF THE 



most forceful and effective of all ^^^/^i^-expositors of 
Christian evidence^) and preached it with a noon-day 
clearness^ and a mellow glow throughout^ that became^ 
yet almost concealed^ his age. Truly^ while the ear heard 
him^ it blessed him. The whole ministration was one of 
those which made the solemn assemblies of that Con- 
ference^ more than of many^ to be had in remembrance. 
But^ alas ! the effort^ as he told me rather mournfully 
the next day^ exhausted him : frequently, during the 
subsequent sittings, he fell into a sleep, as profound as 
if he might be now first taking his rest after the labours 
of a life : and, when I paid him a last visit of respect 
on the day of his leaving Sheffield, he calmly discouraged 
the hope I could not bear to silence, that he would be 
spared to meet his sons and brethren in Conference again, 
and yet again. Some time before that, I was honoured 
with an invitation from Miss Jones to meet her guests, 
together with Messrs. Montgomery and Holland, at 
dinner. Charming to us all vv^as the religious spirit, the 
mutual cordiality, the conversation on the good old times 
of Sheffield Methodism, which seemed to knit the souls 
of the Preacher and the poet into one, — and which now 
give fresh interest to the fact, that they ^ entered heaven 
with prayer^ within a few hours of each other. They 
never met, probably, in the interval. But the day of the 
farewell-greeting on the hither side of ^the river ^ between 
Montgomery and his longest and best-loved friend among 
Wesleyan Ministers is noticed for another reason. It 
was in private conversation that day, that, on my express- 
ing how deeply one whom he had nursed as a child, and 
whom he had officially received on trial into the Ministry, 
had been pained to observe the symptoms of his declining 



EEY. EOBEET XEAVTOX; D.D. 



847 



strength^ Dr. Xewton stated^ that lie had never known 
what it was to be thoroughly and "uncomfortably tired 
after his work^ up to the very Sabbath on which he 
completed his seventieth year ! On that Sabbath^ if my 
memory serve me^ he had travelled^ preached^ and met 
classes^ rather beyond the limit of his average exertions ; 
and, on his return home at night, a strange feeling of 
weariness and exhaustion overcame him, which he seemed 
to have marked as the date of his quick descent into the 
vale of years. The ckcumstances may not be quite accu- 
rately recalled ; neither may they be deemed by mere 
chance readers of his life, outside the wide circle of Eobert 
Newton^s rememhenng friends, more deserving of record 
than some others which those friends will be gratified to 
find there. But in those for whom chiefly that narra- 
tive is written, the prodigy of half a century of ""more 
abundant'' toil and itinerancy in God^s cause sustained, 
through God^s honouring aid, without one hour of suifer- 
ing lassitude; the sudden binding on of the fetters of 
^labour and sorrow^ at the first step beyond the ^three- 
score years and ten;^ and, indeed, almost any reminis- 
cence of the period, at which ' the sun,^ though not yet 
^ the light ^ of his setting, began to ^ be darkened ^ over 
the path of one so dearly beloved and longed for^ will 
excite an interest neither prurient nor wholly unprofitable/^ 



348 



LIPE OF THE 



CHAPTEE XYI. 

Aptee Hs retirement from the full duties of the Ministry^ 
at the Conference of 1852^ Dr. Newton fixed his residence 
at Southport^ in the neighbourhood of Liverpool^ where he 
enjoj^ed the benefit of the sea-breezes; and it was hoped he 
would live for several years^ happy in himself, and a means 
of spiritual good to others. He had^ indeed^ lost the 
vigour of youth^ and of his mature manhood; but his 
intellect was unimpaired^ his zeal was as ardent as ever ; and 
the graces of his character were so mellowed^ that the pub- 
lic respect for him was rather augmented than diminished. 
His friends^ all over the kingdom^ who had long been 
accustomed to his visits^ still trusted that they should 
occasionally see liis face^ and hear his welcome voice ; for^ 
like Daniel of old^ he was a man greatly beloved.^'' The 
unhappy men who perambulated the country^ speaking 
evil of him falsely^ left his character unscathed; so that 
applications for his services exceeded^ beyond all com- 
parison^ his power of compliance. 

Under the date of August 31st he thus answered an 
application to preach in behalf of the trust-funds of the 
large chapel at Boston^ in Lincolnshire : — " My sole reason 
for the delay has been the hope that I might be able to 
contrive a day for you. Having half engaged to open the 
chapel at Laceby^ I thought I might be able to unite the 
two places. I cannot learn^ however^ when that chapel 
will be ready^ and therefore I am compelled to abandon the 
idea of being with you. I have just returned from Whitby 
quite exhausted; aud find that I must be content to 



REY. EGBERT ^"EWTO^', D.D. 



349 



abridge my labours^ and learn to be an old man. Give my 
love to all the friends^ and tell tliem I must be excused. 
Tliis mortal story will soon be ended. God grant that it 
may end well with us all l^' 

To his faithful friend^ Jacob Owen^ Esq.; of Dubhu^ who 
was then on a ^dsit to Harrogate^ he says^ in a letter of 
September 23d: ^^On the last Lord^s day I preached in 
Bristol^ both in the morning and evening ; and was greatly 
surprised, and not a little gratified, to see such overflowing 
congregations, considering how our chapels have been 
deserted in that city during the last two or three years. 
The Society there is being restored to peace, and then will 
follow prosperity. In Cheltenham, on Monday evening, we 
had a large congregation, and a gracious influence rested 
upon the people. I was glad to meet my old friend Eobert 
Middleton, Esq., formerly of London, who is now eighty- 
six years of age. He got to the chapel, and is obviously 
ripening for a better world ; being ' all praise, all meekness, 
and all love.^ 

You see they do not let me sit still. I find, however, 
that I must be contented to do a little work for the blessed 
Master, as I am able. 

So the noble Duke, ^ the hero of a hundred battles,^ is 
no more ! Truly a great man is fallen. How soon will 
this world of shadows vanish ! But how delightful are the 
hopes which our Di\'ine Chjristianity inspires ! I beg to 
be affectionately remembered to your dear family- circle."'^ 

T\'riting from Derby to Mrs. Xewton and her daughters, 
he says : Believing that you might read what the news- 
papers truly say respecting the flood, and fearing that you 
might hear more than truth and fact would justify, to 
reheve your minds respecting my safety I have great plea- 

H H 



350 



LIFE OF THE 



sure in telling you that I am here and well. Details I 
must decline till I see you. I have^ indeed^ gone^ if not 
through fire^ yet through water^ deeper^ and to a greater 
extent^ than I ever did before^ except when- I was on 
the sea. But though other lives have been lost;, mine^ 
thank God^ is spared. To God^'s name be the praise ! 

^^We had a good day yesterday at Crickhowell^ and I 
have executed my commission. I would fain hope that 
good was done. 

" I have been nearly twelve hours upon the wheels this 
day ; but am a wonder to myself. I hope for a good rest 
here to-night. The Lord bless you^ and bring us together 
in due time in health and peace 

It was hoped^ that a state of comparative rest at South- 
port would serve to recruit his strength; but this hope 
was disappointed. On the contrary^ his feebleness in- 
creased^ so that his visits to distant places became less and 
less frequent. His interleaved almanack^ which^ for many 
a year^ had presented a full page of entries from month to 
months now began to present blank spaces. Yet his love 
of Missions was unchanged; and whenever he could attend 
a meeting that was convened in furtherance of the cause of 
Christ among the Heathen^ he was ever ready to exert his 
remaining powers. 

Having consented to attend the Anniversary of the Wes- 
leyan Missionary Society in London^ in the spring of 1853^ 
he entered upon his journey, preaching at Crewe, Grantham, 
and Colsterworth, by the way. Prom Grantham he 
wrote to Mrs. Newton, April 25th: — "The good provi- 
dence of God brought me here on Saturday evening. At 
Crewe, I was most comfortably entertained by Miss Wood. 
I found a good fire in my bedroom, as I have also done 



REV. ROBERT NETTTOy, D.D. 



351 



here ; so that by the kindness of my friends^ and the care 
of a gracious Providence^ I have been preserved from all 
difficulty of breathing. TTe have had large congTegations^ 
and I hope some good has been done. Some of the friends 
here thought me very much altered in appearance^ and 
were surprised to hear me preach as I did. We go to 
Colsterworth in what they call a close fly ; so that I hope I 
shall be preserved from cold. 

I am glad to find that the Great Xorthern line is now 
open direct to London; but I remain here to rusticate till 
Saturday morning. I hope it will do me good. Many 
good wishes have been expressed^ and many prayers offered 
up; in my behalf. Who shall say how much we owe to 
the prayers of good people? Ours has been a life of 
mercies : may it be crowned with a triumphant end ! I 
know you will pray for me^ that the Lord may specially 
help me on the morning of the next Sabbath-day, when in 
the City-road chapel I shall be near the ashes of the sainted 
dead. 0 that I may be enabled to say something that will 
do the people good ! Mrs. Hornsby begs to present to 
you her kind respects, with Mr. Hornsby, who is kindness 
personified. God be with you ! 

On the morning of Sunday, May 1st, he preached in the 
City-road chapel to a crowded congregation, with a degree 
of animation which made liis friends apprehensive that he 
might injure himself. His text was Luke x^^i. 31 : If 
they hear not Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be 
persuaded, though one rose from the dead.''^ The sermon 
was singidarly powerful and impressive, — worthy of the 
man and of the occasion. It was dehvered from a pulpit 
which the AYesleys had often occupied, and from wliich 
Bradburn, and Benson, and Clarke, and Watson, and 



352 



LIFE OF THE 



Griffith^ and many others^ had often ministered the word 
of life^ and whose ashes sleep in the cemetery that is 
connected with that consecrated spot. With that ser\dce 
his ministry in the City-road chapel ended. 

The scene which occurred the next day at the public 
meeting in Exeter Hall was very affecting. Wlien his 
name was announced^ as the seconder of the fourth Reso- 
lution^ he rose amidst a spontaneous burst of feelings the 
vast assemblage of people^ both on the platform and in 
the body of the Hall^ rising in mass^ and their plaudits 
continuing for some minutes. After these had subsided^ 
Dr. Newton^ who was very imperfectly heard^ said : " I am 
really very much embarrassed by the superabundant kind- 
ness of my friends^ both in the Ministry and among the 
laity. "Who am and what is my father's house^ that 
my friends should thus distinguish and honour me? It 
is true^ that I owe everything that I have and am, under 
God^ to that form of Christianity which I love above every 
other in the worlds — Wesleyan Methodism. It found me 
when I was wandering in the woods of the North Riding 
of Yorkshire^ running after the horses and foxes with the 
dogs ; and there I might probably have been running still, 
— except that I am now an old man^ — had it not been for 
those self-denying^ zealous^ and devoted Wesleyan-Method- 
ist Ministers, who preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ, 
and tlirough whose preacliing my own sainted father and 
mother were brought to a knowledge of Christ and salvation. 
I will not, I cannot, forget the rock whence I was hewn. 
If men ask me, — and I have been asked such questions, — 
^ Why do you continue a Wesleyan Minister ? Why do 
you not come here, or go there ? ^ I answer, ^ I cannot. 
I owe everything, under God, to Wesleyan Methodism ; 



REY. "ROBEET NEWTON^ D.D. 



353 



and its adherents have called me forth; and put me into 
this Ministry. A TTesleyan Minister I am ; and^ by the 
grace of God^ such will I live and die/ 

He then^ with liis characteristic readiness and ability^ 
adverted to such topics as the meeting had suggested to 
his mind. He was happy to see in the chair a gentleman 
(ilr. Heald) whom he had always found to be the same 
steady friend and supporter of Missions. He was glad to 
second a Eesolution which had been moved by a Yorkshire- 
man (Mr. ^Tadc; of Selby) like liimseK. He rejoiced to 
meet so many of his friends again^ not fi'om Yorkshire 
only, but fi'om all parts of the kingdom. He gathered 
encouragement from the Report which had been read, as 
to the financial prospects of the Society. He found, in the 
flourishing state of the agricultural and manufacturing- 
districts of the country, a reason wh\^ all should give 
liberally in support of the Mission cause ; and he thought 
that the speeches to which they had that day hstened must 
have furnished a new stimulus to liberality in this good 
work. He then added :— 

Xow, Sir, I see some eyes directed to the clock ; and 
I am sure that some persons want to go ; but they will not 
depart with comfort, unless they first have an opportunity 
to give. They have come to give : and I cannot but hope 
that this day we shall have a liberal collection. I shall not be 
permitted to attend many more Anniversaries of tliis Society. 
It has been my privilege to attend almost every one, per- 
haps every one, except that which took place when I was 
on the other side of the Atlantic. I once heard a Eeverend 
gentleman say on tliis platform, ^ I am on the dark side of 
seventy years ; and you must not expect much from me.'' 
I too am on the dark side of seventy ; and if I live a few 

2 H 3 



354 



LIFE OF THE 



weeks longer, I shall have been fifty-fonr years in the 
Wesleyan Ministry. But I do not like the expression, 
' the dark side of seventy/ If we are what we ought to 
be, I should rather regard it as the bright side of seventy. 
It is said, as you know, Sir^ that ^ the path of the just is 
as the shining light, which shineth more and more unto 
the perfect day/ I humbly hope and trust that I am 
then on the bright side of seventy years/^ 

Had Dr. Newton known that this was the last time that 
his voice would be heard in Exeter Hall, he could not have 
closed his public advocacy of Christian Missions in a more 
appropriate manner, than by thus bearing testimony to the 
power and value of the Gospel, which he was anxious to 
spread through the lands of the Heathen; declaring how 
it had reclaimed him in early life from a course of sin and 
folly, and then in old age sustained and animated him with 
its bright visions of futurity. Before the next annual 
meeting of the Society his spirit had entered into the joy 
of his Lord. 

Por many years he had been accustomed, soon after the 
Wesleyan Missionary Meeting in Exeter Hall, to direct his 
way to the Irish Conference, w^here he was always a wel- 
come visiter. He loved the Irish Preachers, and they 
loved liim, with a pure heart fervently ; but tliis year his 
place was empty in their assembly. The voice which had 
so often instructed them, and cheered them onward in their 
course of duty, they heard not ; and the face which had 
so many times beamed upon them in kindness and sym- 
pathy, under all their discouragements, privations, and 
labours, they no longer saw. His infirmities rendered his 
attendance impossible ; but his heart was with them, and 
they had an interest in his prayers. 



REV. HOBEET NEWTON^ D.D. 



355 



The following letter^ which he addressed to his friend 
Mr. Wangh, under the date of May 18th^ and which is 
written with a tremulous hand^ explains the cause of 
his absence : — 

"I have delayed to reply to your kind letter, in the 
hope that an improved state of health would justify me 
in giving you some reason to expect me to be with you 
in Cork. On Sunday last I attempted two sermons in 
the large chapel in Bolton, by which I was so completely 
exhausted, that I remained sleepless till about six o^ clock 
in the following morning. I find I must be content to do 
a little work for the blessed Master, as I may be able. 
Our mutual friend Dr. Bunting, and others, have conversed 
with me on the subject of my engaging to attend the 
Conference in Cork ; and all think I ought not to under- 
take either the journey or the work required. You 
will give my love to the brethren when they assemble, 
saying that my infirm state of health forbids me to hope 
that I shall be with you. It is very painful to me to be 
obliged thus to write ; but I bow to the will of God. 

And now I must request to be most kindly remembered 
to my dear friend Mrs. Waugh, and to the other branches 
of the family whom it is my happiness to know, T^Tiether 
we shall again be permitted to meet on earth, I know not ; 
but surely we shall all meet in heaven. I am thank» 
ful to learn that the health of the President is much 
improved."*^ 

The Ministers of the Irish Conference thus feelingly 
advert to the subject of their disappointment in their 
Address to the British Conference : — 

With our joy sorrow is mingled. We greatly moujrn 
the absence of Dr. Newton, who for several years was wont 



356 LIFE OF THE 

to attend our Conference. We hailed his presence among 
us as that of a Prince and a great man in our Israel. His 
revered name will long be embalmed in our most grateful 
recollections^ and will be enshrined in our holiest thoughts 
and feelings. We would cherish the hope that at our 
next Conference we shall be privileged with a visit from 
him. May he now^ in his comparative retirement^ be 
cheered and sustained by the presence and abounding 
consolations of that Master whose he is, and whom he has 
so long and so faithfully served 

The English Conference was this year, 1853, held in Brad- 
ford, and Dr. Newton attended its sittings with his habitual 
punctuality, but as a greatly altered man. His noble form 
bent under the burden of years ; his physical energy was 
gone ; and he who had so often directed the business of the 
Conference, as its energetic Secretary, and foar times as its 
efficient and dignified President, was generally silent, and 
occasionally slept when matters of vital moment were under 
discussion. At the same time, his spirit was eminently 
devout, and his personal sanctity impressed every one that 
was brought into intercourse with him. The Eev. Dr. 
Beecham has furnished the following beautiful notices 
respecting his honoured friend at this period :— 

Dr. Newton and myself, with Dr. Hannah, being the 
guests of our excellent friend, William Walker, Esq., of 
Boiling-Hall, near Bradford, I conversed with him concern- 
ing our Missionary Anniversary of 1854; and told him 
that I knew it was the earnest wish of the Committee, that 
he should attend the Anniversary of the Society as long as 
he was able. He referred to the precarious state of his 
health ; but said, ^ Well ; as the time draws near, write to 
me ; and, if I find that I can comply with your request. 



SEV. UOBERT NEWTO:^"; D.D. 



357 



I shall be glad to preach in one of yonr smaller chapels on 
the Sunday ; but you must not depend upon me for any- 
thing in the meeting/ 

At that time he was much enfeebled ; but he under- 
took to conduct a Sunday-morning service in the new 
chapel which was then opened in that town. In reading 
the Scriptures he experienced considerable inconvenience 
from the dimness of his sight; but he delivered a richly 
evangehcal discourse with singular pathos and Divine 
unction. This proved to be his last Conference sermon ; 
and it was worthy of the man^ and of the occasion. 

During the month that I spent with him at that 
time^ I had an opportunity of making daily observations 
upon the temper in which he bore the great change 
that had passed upon him; and it was^ indeed^ edifying 
to mark in his conversation the entire absence of every- 
thing that even bordered upon complaint, air of 
sadness ever rested upon his countenance; nor did a 
querulous expression escape his lips. On the contrary^ 
he manifested a calm and uniform cheerfulness^ which 
indicated a mellowness of spirit^ and a joyous hope^ 
which every way became the aged Minister^ and the heir 
of glory V 

TThen he had returned home^ after the close of the 
Conference^ he addressed the following letter to Mr. 
"Walker, whose guest he had been during his stay in 
Bradford : — I shall not cease to be grateful to Mrs. 
Walker and yourself for your kind attention to me while 
I sojourned under your roof. I have attended Confer- 
ences in England and Ireland for more than half a cen- 
tury; but never, in any former instance^ have I found 
myself in such agreeable circumstances as at BoUing- 



358 



LIFE OP THE 



Hall. The place^ the family^ my companions, the domestic 
regularity^ the religious order^ and^ indeed^ everything, 
were most desirable. What, then, is the amount of my 
obligation to those who provided all these accommoda- 
tions for me? An old Minister, whom I knew, when 
leaving a family where he had been kindly entertained, 
said, ^ I shall tell the Master of you."^ I believe I must 
do the same. The Ministers who composed the late 
happy Conference are now gone to their respective spheres 
of labour ; but I trust they have left a blessing behind 
them. 

^^I preached here on the Sabbath evening; but the 
chapel was so crowded, and the heat so intense, that 
I was perfectly exhausted. I am, however, better for the 
repose of yesterday. I find that I am no longer the 
strong man, to whom fatigue was unknown during more 
than fifty years. Well; let me be thankful for the 
past, and rejoice if I can yet do a little work for Him 
to whom my more than all is due. 

^^My dear wife and daughters beg to join me in 
grateful regards to Mrs. Walker and yourself, to your 
whole family- circle, and especially to your excellent 
mother."'^ 

From this time his health declined apace, so that he 
was not unfrequently confined to his house for several 
weeks together; yet when he was able, he was a regular 
attendant upon the house of God, his drooping frame 
being supported by his stafl'. It was not often that he 
could occupy the pulpit; but he took part in prayer- 
meetings, and was a very devout and attentive hearer 
of sermons. 

In this state of bodily infirmity his heart was still 



KEY. EOBEET SEWIOy, D.D. 



359 



susceptible of kiud and sympathetic feelings especially 
towards the afflicted and the sorrowful^ of which the 
following letter is an example. It was addressed to 
his friends^ Mr. and Mrs. Ingoldby^ of London^ who 
were unexpectedly bereaved of their eldest son^ a 
remarkably beautiful and intelhgent child. He had 
engaged the Doctor^s attention at the tune of the Lon- 
don Conference. 

Ang2tst ^otJij 1853. 

^^My DEAE, rUIENDS^ — 

Permit me to offer my most sincere s}TQpathy and 
condolence on the bereavement which you have been 
called to sustain. I can scarcely realize it to m^yself. 
that the dear boy is gone. But I remember^ and so do 
yoU; the words of our Saviour Clirist : ^ Of such is the 
kingdom of heaven.^ And we beheve the Didne testi- 
mony; and are therefore quite sure that the object of 
your tender affection is for ever safe and happy. Xor 
can we forget that saying : ' TThat I do^ thou knowest 
not now ; but thou shalt know hereafter."' Infinite Wisdom 
and Love must always act ^^isely and weU j and we must 
look for grace to enable us to say^ ^ Thy wiU be done.^ 
Those who are so dear to us^ and have gone to heaven 
before as^ should be so many additional ties upon us^ 
binding us to that blessed world; where there is no more 
death. 

^^I find myself an old man^ travelling down the 
vale of years : but I thank God for a good hope through 
grace; a hope which stretches far beyond tliis vale of 
tears. AH here desire to join me in sympathizing love 
to you.''^ 



360 



LIFE OF THE 



Early in the year 1854 application was again made to 
Dr. Newton^ to take part in the services of the Anniver- 
sary of the Wesleyan Missionary Society in London at 
the return of spring; and his answer was^ that in his 
present state of health he could make no engagement; 
but if he were able at the time^ he would take a preach- 
ing appointment in a small chapel^ but that there was 
no hope of his being able to make himself heard in 
Exeter Hall. 

To those persons who observed the rapid decay of his 
strength^ it was manifest that his public labours must 
soon terminate; and that it was very doubtful whether 
his life would be prolonged many months. It is gratifying 
to find that his latest services as a Minister of Christ 
were marked by eminent spirituality of mind^ and by 
signal tokens of the Divine presence and blessing. His 
last sermon was preached in Wigan ; and his last effort 
to serve the Mission cause was put forth in that town^ 
and upon the same occasion. Of these services the 
following account has been kindly supplied by the Rev. 
Gervase Smith : — 

Early in the afternoon of Saturday^ March 11th; he 
arrived in Wigan^ to attend the Wesleyan Missionary 
Anniversary^ and proceeded to the house of Mr. Joseph 
Meek; where he had been often and cordially welcomed. 
His last visit to this town was in October, 1853; to take 
part in the opening services of a Baptist chapel. A great 
change had evidently taken place in his health during 
these five months. There was now a languor in his 
appearance; which called forth the sympathies of his 
warm-hearted friends; but he was cheerful; spoke of 
former kindnesses; and expressed his pleasure at being 



REV. EGBERT KEWTO^"^ D.D. 



361 



once more in AYigan. During the evening he joined 
earnestly in the conversation^ and conducted family- 
worship. His eminent spirituality of thought^ reverence 
of manner^ copious and correct phraseology, and the 
mellow tones of his voice, are stiU remembered by those 
who were privileged to be there. 

^'The Sabbath came; and the friends anticipated the 
morning service with especial interest. The commodious 
and elegant chapel in Standish-Gate was thronged to hear 
the great and good man once more. He had often 
preached in the old sanctuary, and had engaged in the 
opening services of the new one. For more than a 
quarter of a century he had visited the town at least 
annually; and each successive visit had increased the 
anxiety of the people to hear the Gospel from his lips. 
There was, moreover, a general feehng of fear that his 
days and labours were drawing to a close. *^We shall 
not have him much longer -/ ^ He is sinking fast ; ^ ^ He 
will not preach for us many more times,'' were expressions 
which were uttered by many, who had often been cheered 
and profited by his ministry. It is not surprising, there- 
fore, that a large congregation assembled from nearly 
every part of the Circuit. The bend of that noble frame, 
and the sunken countenance, seemed to throw a shade 
of melancholy over the crowd as he entered the pulpit. 
He was heard only imperfectly in the distant parts of the 
chapel, except occasionally. The text was Matt. xv. 28 : 
' Then Jesus answered and said unto her, 0 woman, great 
is thy faith : be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And 
her daughter was made whole from that very hour."' For 
an hour was the congregation riveted by the inimitable 
simplicity and grace of his expositions, and the power 

I I 



363 



LIEE OP THE 



of his appeals. It has since come to the knowledge of 
the writer that several persons were led by the sermon- to 
trust in Christy and realize the forgiveness of sins. 

He had drawn heavily on his physical strength ; for^ 
as he left the chapel^ he wrapped up his face^ and^ in a 
state of exhaustion^ leaned tremblingly on the arm of a 
junior Minister. He reclined in the easy-chair during 
the afternoon ; but would go to the evening service as a 
hearer. On the Monday he did not leave the house 
until the time for the public meeting. The Ministers 
of the Circuit and a few friends met him at dinner^ and, 
in the afternoon, these were joined by the three Dissent- 
ing Ministers of the town, who treated him with marked 
respect. They expressed, in the most friendly manner, 
their deep regard for his person and character and 
labours, and a hope that he might be spared for yet 
many years. His benevolent disposition was seen in a 
long conversation respecting his . past history. He seemed 
to forget the obloquy and persecution he had endured, 
and dwelt largely upon the warm and unabated affection 
of his friends. have reason to be thankful," he said, 
^for the respect and kindness that have been shown to 
me during a long public life by other Christian commu- 
nities, as well as my own : but then it is all of the grace 
of God; and to Him be the glory. It is true, I have 
loved my Master, and sought to serve Him ; . but what 
ami?" 

He was advertised to take the chair at the Missionary 
Meeting. A large congregation again hailed his presence, 
and never was the chair occupied with greater dignity. 
On May 24th, 1819, — the birth-day of Queen Victoria, 
— -he, with the late Eevs. Dr. Adam Clarke and Philip 



EEY. EOBEP.T XEWTON^ D.D. 



363 



Garrett^ was present at the formation of tlie Wigan 
Branch of tlie "Wesleyan Missionary Society ; and^ having 
attended many of its Anniyersary Meetings^ was well able 
to speak of its progress and efficiency. He did not^ on 
the present occasion, speak more than ten or fifteen 
minutes ; but most heartily did he express his attaclmient 
to Methodism and its great Missionary institute^ and also 
to all eyangehcal societies. He declared his unaltered 
conyiction that the Gospel is the appointed means for 
the conyersion of the worlds and his behef that God 
would raise up men to preach it in its purity and power. 
At the conclusion of the meetings wliicli was one of great 
interest^ an enthusiastic yote of thanks was presented to 
him for his seryices ; and with this a request that^ if 
spared to the next Anniyersary^ he would again preside. 
After acknowledging the yote^ he said : ^ With regard to 
the future^ we must say notliing. AVe know not what 
a day may bring forth. I am getting to be an old man. 
You see I am not what I once was ; for some of you 
haye known me in my better days : but my heart and 
soul were neyer more fully in the work."' He then 
referred to the approaching meeting in Exeter Hall; and 
playfully remarked : ^ My good friends in London say I 
am booked for life for theii; Missionary Anniyersary ; but, 
then^ that is t/ieir doings not mine.' How little did he^ 
or any of us, anticipate that the occupancy of the chair 
that evening was to be his last public service on earth ; 
and that at that very meeting in Exeter Hall it would 
be first publicly announced that he was no more ! 

During liis stay in AYigan he was exceedingly grateful 
for the attention which was paid to his personal comfort. 
Mrs. Meek regarded him with the affection due to a 

2 I 2 



364 



LIFE OF THE 



father. Every want was anticipated^ and all the resources 
of a happy home were made tributary to his happiness. 
About noon on the Tuesday he gave to all the family^ 
and especially to the cliildren^ his parting blessings and 
returned to Southport.'''' 

The only official duty in which he appears to have 
afterwards engaged was the baptism of a child. Other 
Ministers assisted in the service ; but he administered 
the sacred ordinance^ and commended the infant heir 
of immortahty to the eternal mercy of the Father^ and 
of the Son^ and of the Holy Ghost^ in devout and 
earnest prayer. 



EEV. EOBEUT XEWTO>'j D.D. 



365 



CHAPTER XTII. 

It Tvas tlie mtention of Dr. Xewton to remove with liis 
family^ early in tlie spring of 1554:, from Sontliport to 
Easingwold, where he had engaged a house, and pm^posed 
to spend the residue of his days. On the 29th of March 
he left Southport for his new residence, spending a few 
days at Eotherham on his way, with the family of his late 
brother Jacob. 

He arrived at Easingwold on Tuesday, April 11th ; and 
soon afterwards the Eev. John Eossell, the Superintendent 
Wesleyan ^Minister in the place, caUed upon him to inquire 
after his welfare, to present his congratulations, and to 
' bespeak his aid and counsel in respect of the Circuit ; at 
the same time expressing a hope that the venerable man 
would be spared for a considerable time to serve the cause 
of Chiist. He answered, with impressive solemnity^ *• I 
thant you. Sir ; but my work is done.''^ 

It was still hoped that he might be able to attend the 
Missionary Anniversary in Eondon : liis name was there- 
fore included in the arrangements, and information was 
sent to him to that effect. His daughter replied : At the 
request of my father, I Avrite to express his regi'et, that he 
cannot hidulge the hope of being with you at Exeter Hall 
on the 80th instant, or of taking any part in the serAuces 
connected with our Anniversary this year. His health, 
I am sorry to say, is in a very feeble state ; and he is quite 
unfit to take so long a journey."'^ 

Mr. Tetley, a student from the Didsbury branch of the 
Wesleyan Theological Institution, was then in Easingwold, 

'Z I 3 



366 



LIFE OP THE 



supplying the place of a Minister whose health had failed. 
He also called to see the venerable man who had just 
come as a resident in the town^ and has supplied the 
following particulars respecting their interview^ and Dr. 
Newton^s appearance : — I was astonished and affected 
to find him so prostrated in strength^' having been accus- 
tomed to see him in the pulpit and on the platform in 
all his vigour. He was in an easy-chair^ and it seemed 
as if an invisible pressure were upon his slioulders^ which 
he resisted by occasional efforts to throw himself back^ and 
by placing his hands upon his knees. A letter was beside 
him j and pointing to it he said : ^ Ah ! that letter is for the 
Mission House. My name is associated in some way with 
the coming Anniversary ; and I suppose it appears about 
the streets of London to that effect. It is placarded for 
the last time ; ^ adding^ mth a deep tone^ and shaking his 
head^ ^Yes^ for the last time.'' Then mentioning the 
number of years that he had been ^ privileged to be present^ 
at the Annual Meeting in Exeter Hall^ he said : ^ I did hope 
to add this year to the number; but now there is no 
probability of it whatever. Not willing to embarrass the 
Committee at the last moment, by seeking a supply for me, 
my daughter has just written to say that I cannot go. 
I have clung to it as long as I could ; but now I feel that 
I must give it up. It is a trial ; but the will of the Lord 
be done.'' Then, assuming a more cheerful tone, he said : 
^ My heart wiU be there. 0 yes ! my thoughts wiU be 
amongst them ; but my work is done."' 

^^I ventured to suggest, as delicately as I could, the 
satisfaction which he must feel in looking back upon a 
protracted life spent in proclaiming ^the glorious Gospel 
of the blessed God,^ making allusion to his travels and 



HEY. EOBEET NE^TO>'; D.D. 



367 



labours. He replied^ witli some degree of vkacitv : ^ Yes ; 
mj life^ and a pretty long one too,, lias been a life of 
preachings and of cheerful toil for Christ ; but it has been 
a life of mercv^ crowned with loving-kindness. I have 
travelled much; thousands of miles^ in all sorts of weather ; 
and yet God has given me remarkable strength to stand 
the wear and tear^ and all the other vicissitudes of travelling 
here and there^ down to old age. Tery few have had such 
uninterruptedly good health as I have had. Let me be 
thankful. 0 how much have I to be thankful for ! But 
stilly what have I done ? After all my labom^s^ after all 
my preaching; it is but poor work at the best; that I have 
done for such a Master ; poor work in such a cause. I am 
an unprofitable servant. I have done that which it was 
my duty to do.'' 

" ' To-morrow/ said he^ ^ is Easter Sunday. I shall be 
one of your hearers."' Feeling a httle nervous at the 
thought; but not wishing to say sO; I suggested whether 
the quiet of his fire-side would not be more suitable for 
him in his present state of weakness. ^ Xo^ nO; young 
maU;^ said he : ' that will not do. You have nothing to 
fear from me ; and depend upon it; as long as I have 
strength to carry me to a Methodist chapel; there will I go.^ 
And there on the following morning was the Doctor, 
engaging with deep reverence and holy fervour in the 
worship of God. He rose from his seat at the time of 
singing; but soon sat down again ; and after the service he 
retired slowly to his homC; supported by the arm of Mrs. 
Newton. These indications of feebleness affected the con- 
gregation ; all of whom seemed to be impressed with the 
feehng; that he would not long be a resident in tliis world. 
This was the last public religious service that he was able 



368 



LIFE OP THE 



to attend. A fortnight after this he had finished his 
course/^ 

Nine days after his arrival in Easingwold he wrote his 
last letter^ which shows that he was still intent upon the 
service of his great Master^ though his strength was all 
but gone. It was addressed to liis faithful friend Mr. 
Turner, of Derby, and relates several touching particulars 
respecting his present condition. 

''April mh. 

'' My deah Fuiend,— 

'' All this time I have delayed to reply to yours, that 
I might know how it would go me. It is more than 
three months since I have attempted to write a letter to 
any one. More than half a year since my sight suddenly 
failed me, and, for some time, I expected that I should 
soon become blind. I could not have read a chapter in 
the Bible for the world ; and yet I had no pain or inflam- 
mation. Thank God, my vision is now considerably 
improved ; but I get scarcely any help from glasses. My 
general health has been greatly impaired : I am not now 
permitted to attempt two sermons on the same day. I 
have sent back-word to London, Grantham, and all other 
places where I had contracted engagements. And what 
can I now say to Derby, which I am loth to give up, after 
all these years ? I believe all I can say is, that if in July 
I am as well as I am to-day, I may offer you one sermon 
on the Sabbath, and,, if it be thought well, one on the 
Monday evening. Perhaps you are not aware that we 
have left Southport, and taken up our abode at Easing- 
wold, near York. Probably my next remove will be to my 
everlasting home above. While I have any strength 



EEV. EGBERT NEWTON^ D.D. 



369 



remaining^ I wish to try to do something for Him who has 
done so much for me. 

My dear wife^ who has stood all the toil and fatigue 
of this packing and unpacking,, is better than I could 
have expected^ and begs her kindest remembrances to you 
and Mr. and Mrs. Wedge^ together with my daughters. 
Tell Mr. Brown that I am not now^ nor shall I ever be 
again^ the man I was when we were fellow-labourers at 
Holmfirth. I think I am thankful for the past ; and I can 
trust for the futui'e. God is wise^ and great^ and good^ 
and can and will conduct everything that belongs to us 
to an issue that will be for His glory and our benefit.''^ 

An incident occurred in connexion with the sudden loss 
of his sights of which mention is here made^ that is worthy 
of special record^ as being strikingly illustrative of Dr. 
J^^^ewton^s steady confidence in God^ and cheerful resigna- 
tion to His will. "When he found himself involved in 
darkness^ so as to be unable to read^ he requested to be 
supplied with pen and ink^ that he might try whether or 
not he could write in a legible manner. Having made 
the attempt^ he dehvered up the blotted paper to liis 
family with a smile^ the meaning of which they perfectly 
understood^ when they found that he had attempted to 
write, " The Lord is my light and my salvation : whom 
shall I fear r 

The closing scene of tliis great man^s life now drew 
on j and the incidents connected with it cannot be better 
described than in the words of his daughter Emma^ who 
witnessed the whole^ and took notes of every passing cir- 
cumstance. The follo^nng is her affecting statement : — 
On Tuesday mornings April 25th^ we assembled at 



370 



LIFE OF THE 



breakfast^ as usual^ when my father appeared somewhat 
better than he was on the precedmg evening. He was 
very cheerful^ and conducted familv-worship with even 
more than his accustomed energy. My mother read the 
first chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews; and he com- 
mented upon it in his prayer ; concluding with this sen- 
tence : ^ In all things may Christ be magnified in us^ 
whether it be by life or by death."' He then repeated the 
Lord''s Prayer. 

^^Mr. Gill came in after the breakfast, and conversed 
with him a few minutes ; and when he was gone, my 
father called me, to ask some unimportant question, when 
I thought there was something unusual in his tone and 
manner. About half-past nine o^ clock my mother sum- 
moned me again into the room where he was. He was 
attacked with paralysis, or what appeared to us partial 
unconsciousness. Our medical attendant was immediately 
called in, and about noon my father seemed to rally. 
Eecollection had not returned, or returned very imper- 
fectly j and at two o^ clock in the afternoon the attack 
appeared to terminate in apoplexy. From that time the 
doctor gave us no hope of his recovery, and intimated that 
death might be expected to take place at any moment. 
Mr. and ^Irs. Gill were immediately sent for ; but the 
other members of the family, being distant, could not so 
readily join us. 

Towards the evening my father seemed to suffer greatly 
from difficulty of breathing. Once he turned round, and 
said in a feeble voice, cannot breathe. Pray to the 
Lord for me, that I may breathe."' Soon after my mother 
asked him, ^Is the Lord present with you, love?^ and he 
was able to reply, ^ 0 yes !^ 



EEV. HOBEET NEWTOX^ D.D. 



371 



During the night he was very restless : a sort of 
dehrium came on^ and he talked of crowded Missionary 
Meetings^ and of public services; his mind turning to 
scenes which had been long endeared to him. 

" On Wednesday evenings in answer to an inquiry from 
my mother^ he said that he felt a little better. Mrs. Gill 
asked^ ^Do you feel Christ precious?^ He answered^ in a 
low whisper^ ' 0 yes ; Christ Jesus attesting and blessing.'' 
He then said to Mrs. Gill^ ^Pray for a happy exit.'' 

About midnight he fell asleep for a few hours^ and 
appeared to awake somewhat refreshed. As Mrs. Gill was 
leaning over him^ he said^ ^God bless you!^ and soon 
afterwards^ ^ I have every happiness. Christ is mine^ and 
I am His. I shall soon be with Him in glory. Christ is 
my rock.'' She repeated the hymn beginnings ■ — 

* Jesus, the Name high over all, 

In hell, or earth, or sky ; 
Angels and men before it fall, 

And devils fear and fly ; ' 

and when she came to the two concluding verses^ he raised 
his hands^ and attempted to say with her^ — 

' Happy, if with my latest breath 

I may but gasp His Name, 
Preach Him to all, and cry in death, 
Behold, behold, the Lamb ! ' 

" On the Thursday morning he took a cup of coffee ; 
and soon after he roused himself, and^ as his children 
kneeled round his sofa^ he clasped his hands^ and^ mention- 
ing each one by name^ prayed separately for his daughters, 
and sons, and sons-in-law ; desiring that God would be 



372 



LIFE OF THE 



favourable to them when lie was gone. Again, raising his 
hands, he said, ^ God grant that we and our children, and 
our children's children, may all meet in heaven !' Then, 
beckoning to those who were present, he bade each of them 
farewell. After a short pause, his eye tried to find my 
mother. He grasped her hand, and feebly said, ^ Farewell, 
my own love'/ He then sank back; his pulse fluttered; 
and for some hours he was unable to converse coherently, 
unless he were recalled by some passage of Holy Scripture. 

About noon, John Brown, an aged Christian man, 
having shown himself at the room-door, one of his 
daughters said, ^ Father, here is an old pilgrim come to see 
you;^ to which he answered, ^Let him come in."' The 
good man stood by and wept; and some one said, ^Pray 
with us.'' He kneeled down. A part of his prayer I dis- 
tinctly remember. ^Lord,' said he, ^it seems as if Thou 
wert about to take Thy servant to Thyself ; but if it be 
Thy will, raise him up. Do, Lord.'' My father responded 
to the prayer ; but as he took leave of J ohn, he said dis- 
tinctly, ^ I shall not rise again.'' 

One of his daughters reminded him of his engagement 
to take part in the Annual Missionary Meeting at Exeter 
Hall, on the following Monday ; and asked him if he had 
any message to send to the meeting. He was understood 
to say, — 

' Jesus, confirm my heart's desire, 

To work, and speak, and think for Thee/ 

He then said, ^Work, work,^ and hesitated. She added, 
^Work while it is day; for the night cometh, when no 
man can work.'' ^Ah!^ said he, Hhat is it. Work while 
it is day/ 



EEV. ROBEET NEWTON^ D.D. 



373 



" In the evening he desired Mrs. Gill to remain^ that 
she might read and pray with him. She complied^ and 
repeated to him his favourite hymns^ and texts of Scrip- 
ture. Once he interrupted her^ sayings am a happy 
man ! I am a happy man ! I ^11 praise^ I ^11 praise.^ One 
of his daughters finished the sentence for him^ — 

* I '11 praise my Maker wMle I 've breath.' 

He raised his hand^ and smiled^ sayings ' 0 yes^ yes ; you 
are right ! Eeligion in the heart and life. How happy ! 
God is good^ and doeth good. God is love. Then if 
God is love^ love is of God ; and he that dwelleth in love 
dwelleth in God.' He repeated this several times. Then^ 
leaning back in his conchy as if he felt his extreme feeble- 
ness^ and clasping his hands^ he said^ with a deep hollow 
voice^ ^ I am going to God. I am going to glory soon, 
soon.^ 

"At a very early hour on Friday morning, April 28th, 
one of his daughters brought him some refreshment. As 
she approached him, he pronounced her name, and said, 
^ Happy, — the soul, — peace. ^ She answered, ^ The soul is 
in peace.^ ^0 yes, yes V he responded : ^ happy in God, in 
Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. I want to fall asleep. 
Happy, happy.'' During the whole of that day he appear- 
ed to be perfectly recollected. In the morning, Mrs. Gill 
repeated hymns to him; and at every expression which 
bore upon his own case, he raised his hands, and gave some 
sign of assent. Several times he said, ^ In Him we live, 
and move, and have our being."' ' In my Father^s house 
are many mansions.'' His imperfect utterance, occasioned 
doubtless by paralysis, often prevented us from catching 
every word that he meant to express. Of his difficulty in 

K e: 



374 



LIFE OF THE 



making himself understood he was fully aware^ and often 
referred to it. Once^ in particular^ alluding to his long 
course of public labour^ he said^ ^ I cannot express myself : 
my voice is gone ; my speech is failing for ever/ 

^^On Friday evening he conversed with more apparent 
ease than he had ever done since his attack. All his 
family^ with two exceptions^ who were unavoidably absent^ 
were at his side. He said to them^ ^ I am dying ; I am 
dying fast ; I shall soon be dead ; but whosoever Kveth 
and beHeveth in Him shall never die. I am the Resur- 

— ^ His daughter again completed the sentence; 

and he repeated with her^ am the Eesurrection and 
the Life. He that believeth in Me shall never die."* ^ It 
is almost done ; it is almost over. Praise^ glory to 
Thee!^ He inquired for those members of the family 
who were absent; and when he was asked if he had 
any message to send to one of them^ he said^ ^ Tell her 
to live devoted to God.'' Mrs. Gill repeated the hymns^ 
beginnings — 

* Come, let us join onr Mends above. 
That liave obtain' d the prize;' 

and^ — 

' Now I have found the ground wherein 
Sure my soul's anchor may remain ; ' 

and when she came to the verse^— 

' Away, sad doubt, and anxious fear,' 

he interrupted her^ sayings ^ I have no fear^ no alarm. 
Perfect love casteth out fear.'' Mrs. Gill said^ ^Perhaps 
you may be in heaven before nine o^ clock to-night.^ He 
looked up and said^ slowly and calmly^ am ready at 
any time to die."* Turning afterwards to his daughter, 
he said, ^He that beHeveth shall never die/ Then 



EEY. EGBERT XETTTOX^ D.D. 



375 



addressing another member of tlie family^ lie said; ^ Preach 
from the heart. Preaching that flows from the heart 
does good every day. Live to God ; follow religion in 
the life and conduct.'' He vras speaking very rapidly^ 
and in a feeble tone of voice ; so that it was difficult to 
apprehend his meaning. Presently he stopped; his eye 
lighted up; he raised himseK on his pillow^ and^ Tiith 
what appeared to those who were present a saperhmnan 
smilC; he beckoned repeatedly to the further end of the 
room^ bowed,, and waved his hand^ an expression of the 
highest rapture resting upon his featui'es ; and then^ as 
if in answer to some inquiry^ he said^ ^ I am a Methodist 
Preacher; an old Preacher; an old Methodist Preacher.'' 
Possibly his mind was wanderings and he imagined him- 
seK to be before the gates of the eternal city^ with the 
holy angels full in his sight. 

On Saturday morning he inquired very anxiously 
after his yomigest son. One of liis daughters brought 
him a cup of coffee ; and as he took it at her hands^ he 
said; ^ Thy prayer for the Chmx'h of England;^ alluding^ 
it was thought,, to the gi^ace after meat wliich Mr. "Wesley 
uttered upon his deathbed."^ She afterwards asked him^ 
^ Have you been praying for the Church of England ? ^ 
and he answered distinctly^ ^ Yes."' 

His difficulty of breathing increased ; and it was 
evident that the last conflict was begun^ a convulsive 
shudder passing through his frame with every breath 
that he drew. ^Irs. Gill repeated the hymn^ beginning; — 

* ^'We tkani: Tliee, 0 Lord, for these and all Tliy mercies. Bless tlie 
Cliurcli and King; and grant ns trntli and peace, tlirungli Jesus Clii'ist 
onr Lord, for ever and ever/' Tliis was 3Ir. Lesley's constant thanks- 
giving after meals. 

2 K 2 



376 



LIFE OF THE 



* Stand the' omnipotent decree : 

Jehovah' s will be done 
Nature's end we wait to see, 

And hear her final groan : 
Let this earth dissolve, and blend 

In death the wicked and the just ; 
Let those pond'rous orbs descend, 

And grind us into dust. 

* Eests secure the righteous man ! 

At his Redeemer's beck 
Sure to' emerge and rise again, 

And mount above the wreck. 
Lo, the heavenly spirit towers. 

Like flame, o'er nature's funeral pyre, 
Triumphs in immortal powers. 

And claps his wings of fire 1 

* Nothing hath the just to lose 

By worlds on worlds destroy'd : 
Far beneath his feet he views 

With smiles the flaming void ; 
Sees this universe renew' d. 

The grand millennial reign begun ; 
Shouts with aU the sons of G-od, 

Around the' eternal throne.' 

^^He made an attempt to speak; and we could catch 
a few disjointed sentences; such as, am the Eesur- 
rection, — God, — Jesus Christ, the ransom of sinners, — 
life from the dead, — praise the Lord, — ^praise Him, — 
praise Him, all the earth/ 

In about an hour he sank back exhausted ; his lips 
moved, as if in prayer ; he folded his hands on his breast ; 
and was heard pouring out his soul in prayer for his family. 
By putting the ear close to his mouth, we heard distinctly 
his dying testimony : ^ I am going to leave you ; bat God 



SEY, EOBEET ^'EWTOX^ D.D. 



377 



will be with you. Jesus is the Eesurrectiou and the Life : 
and the Hfe of Jesus is hfe from the dead. The effectual 
feiYent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. By their 
prayers they shall prevail^ — by their prayers and tears. 
Hear Thou their prayers and tears. Blessed is the righteous 
in his hfe; and in his death. He shall see Jesus in the day 
when all tears are wiped away^ and sorrow and crying are 
no more. The righteous shall ncYcr die. Fear sin^ not 
death,'' Then, after a brief interYal, he said, ^Farewell. 
I am going to join the myriads of angels and archangels 
before the throne of God. Tarewell sin, and farewell 
death. Praise the Lord. Praise Him for CYcr.'' After 
another interYal he again made an effort to speak j and we 
heard him say, ^ Praise God, — praise ; and at one o^ clock 
on Saturday afternoon, the Yoice that had so often led the 
prayers and praises of rehgious assembhes Y'as hushed for 
ever. He fell into the profound sleep which is technical!}' 
denominated coma^ in which he continued for several hours. 
Towards midnight Mrs. Gill and I retired into an adjoining 
room, leaving my father propped up with pillows on the 
sofa, and his feet on a footstool. My mother, who had 
never left him from the moment of his attack, except for a 
few minutes, remained Y'ith liim, in company with my 
eldest brother, and one of my sisters. At ten minutes 
past four o^clock on Sunday morning, April 30th, 1854, 
we were summoned. The last breath had passed away.''^ 

Thus ended the labom^s and the useful life of one of the 
most remarkable and distingTiished men of his age. The 
next morning, just before the assembling of the Annual 
Meeting of the TTesleyan Missionary Society in Exeter 
Hall, a telegraphic message was received in London, con- 
■ veying the intelhgence that he was no more ; so that, 

2 K 3 



878 



LIFE OF THE 



instead of the announcement in the meeting, to which 
thousands of people had been accustomed from year to 
year, of Dr. Newton and the collection/^ the Rev. John 
Scott, in a few appropriate sentences, stated to the assembly 
the peaceful end of that great man, and the loss which the 
Mission cause had sustained by his lamented decease. The 
information was received with solemn silence, but with 
many tears. 

The funeral took place on the following Thursday, May 
4th, in accordance with his implied wishes. He was 
buried in a vault belonging to his son-in-law, Mr. Gill, in 
the picturesque churchyard of Easingwold. During the 
brief interval that elapsed between his death and interment, 
hundreds of poor people came to see the remains of their 
esteemed Minister, bringing spring flowers in their hands 
to throw upon his coffin. 

As a just mark of respect for so eminent a man, the 
President of the Wesleyan Conference, one of the General 
Secretaries of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, and several 
other Ministers and friends from various places, attended 
the funeral. At ten o^ clock they assembled in the Metho- 
dist chapel in Easingwold, where the Rev. John Lomas, 
the President, gave out the following hymn : — 

" Happy who in Jesus live, 

But happier still are they 
Who to God their spirits give, 

And 'scape from earth away ! 
Lord, Thou read'st the panting heart ; 

Lord, Thou hear'st the praying sigh : 
0 't is better to depart, 

'Tis better fai* to die!" 

After this he offered up an appropriate and affecting prayer. 



EEY. EGBERT NEWTON^ D.D. 



379 



The party tlien went to the house of the deceased^ in the 
front of which the body was placed upon a bier ; the coffin 
bearing the simple inscription : 

ROBERT IsEWTON, 

DIED APEIL 30tH^ 1854^ 
AGED SEVENTY-THEEE YEAES. 

The President then gave out the hymn numbered 49 in 
the Wesleyan Collection^ substituting the word father 
for " brother/^ where it occurred : — 

" Rejoice for a father deceased, 

Our loss is his infinite gain ; 
A sonl out of prison released, 

And free from its hodily chain ; 
With songs let ns follow his flight. 

And mount with his spiiit above, 
Escaped to the mansions of lighc. 

And lodged in the Eden of love. 

" Om* father the haven hath gain'd, 

Outflying the tempest and Tvind : 
His rest he hath sooner obtain'd, 

And left his companions behind, 
Still toss'd on a sea of distress, 

Hai'd toiling to make the blest shore. 
Where all is assm'ance and peace, 

And sorrow and sin are no more." 

When the hymn was finished^ the procession began to 
move^ being led by a large number of Ministers^ and 
attended by friends fi'om adjacent towns and villages^ with 
the greater part of the Methodist Society and congregation 
of Easingwold. The pall was borne by the Eev. John 
Lomas^ Dr. Beecham, Dr. Hannah^ the Rev. John Bowers, 
the Rev. WilUam M. Bunting; and the Rev. Israel Holgate. 



380 



LIFE OF THE 



Following the body were tlie sons and daughters of the 
deceased^ the sons-in-law^ and other relations^ with several 
of his grandcliildren. 

As the procession moved^ the Eev. John Eossell, the 
Superintendent Minister of the Easingwold Circuity read 
aloud the following hymn^ which the assembly united 
to sing : — 

Come, let us join our Mends al)Ove, 

That have obtain' d the prize, 
And on the eagle wings of love 

To joys celestial rise ; 
Let all the saints terrestrial sing, 

With those to glory gone ; 
For all the servants of our King 

In earth and heaven are one. 

" One family we dwell in Him, 

One church above, beneath, 
Though now divided by the stream. 

The narrow stream, of death ; 
One army of the living God, 

To His command we bow ; 
Part of His host have cross'd the flood, 

And part are crossing now. 

Ten thousand to their endless home 

This solemn moment fly ; 
And we are to the margin come, 

And we expect to die : 
His militant embodied host. 

With wishful looks we stand. 
And long to see that happy coast. 

And reach the heavenly land. 

" Our old companions in distress 
We haste again to see. 
And eager long for our release 
And full felicity : 



EET, KOBERT NEWTON^ D.D. 



381 



Even now by faith, we join our liands 

With, those that went hefore ; 
And hail the blood-besprinkled bands 

On the eternal shore. 

Our spirits too sball quickly join, 

Like theirs with, gioiy crovrn'd, 
And shout to see oui' Captain's sign, 

And bear His trumpet sound. 
0 that we now might grasp om' Guide ! 

0 that the word were given 1 
Come, Lord of hosts, tbe waves divide. 

And land us all in beaven ! " 

The singing of this hymn was continued all the to 
the parish-chnrch^ which \ras filled with people. The 
funeral service was read by the Curate with tender and 
earnest feeling; and when the body had been deposited 
in its resting-place^ the Wesleyan Ministers and friends^ 
according to a previous arrangement^ returned to the 
chapel^ where Dr. Hannah dehvered an appropriate and 
eloquent address on the character and labours of Dr. 
Newtoii; and the practical lessons Avhich liis removal was 
calculated to teach. 

Funeral sermons on the occasion of Dr. Ivewton^s death 
were preached in most of the principal chapels in England^ 
six of which were pubHshed;"^ for the entire Connexion 



* Lights of tbe Chm'ch. A SeiTtion occasioned by the Death of the 
Rev. Robert Xewton, D.D., preached in Tiviot-Dale Chapel, Stockpoi-t, on 
Sunday, May 28tb, 1854. By the Rev. Jobn Bedford. Published by 
Request. 

Scriptm^al Views of Human Life stated and exemplified. A Sermon 
on Occasion of the Death of the Rev. Robert Xewton, D.D. ; delivered in the 
Wesleyan Chapel, Pontefi-act, May 17th, 1854, by the Rev. Isaac Keeling ; 
and pubbshed at the Request of the Leeds District -Meeting. 

The True Minister of God: his Office, Cbaracter, and Coiu'se. A 



382 



LIFE OE THE 



had long been Ms Circuit ; and the Societies and congrega- 
tions throughout the land^ as if by one consent, re-echoed 
the words of David, Know ye not that there is a Prince 
and a great man fallen this day in Israel 

At the first meeting of the General Committee of the 
Wesleyan Missionary Society after the death of Dr. New- 
ton, they passed the following appropriate Resolutions, 
expressive of the estimate which they formed of his charac- 
ter, and of the value of his services as an advocate of the 
institution, the management of which was intrusted to 
their care : — 

^^That while, in common with the whole Methodist 
Connexion, the Committee mourn over the loss of one of 
the ablest, most laborious, most acceptable, and most suc- 
cessful Ministers of the Gospel, in this or any former age 
of the churches history, they particularly commemorate 
with gTatitude the most effective and valuable assistance 
rendered to this Society by their departed friend. Prom 

Sermon on Occasion of tlie Death, of the Rev. Robert Newton, D.D. 
Preached in Oldliani- Street Chapel, Manchester, on Wednesday, May 17th, 
1854. By the Rev. John Hannah, D.D. Pubhshed by Request of the 
Manchester and Bolton District-Meeting, at that Time assembled. 

A Funeral Memorial of the late Rev. Robert Newton, D.D., Wesleyan 
Minister, delivered in Morrice-Street Chapel, Devonport, at the Annual 
District-Meeting of the Wesleyan Ministers, on Thursday Evening, May 
18th, 1854. By George Jackson, Chairman of the District. 

The Fall of Greatness: the Substance of a Sermon delivered in the 
Wesleyan Chapel, Landport, Portsmouth, May 14th, 1854, on Occasion 
of the Death of the Rev. Robert Newton, D.D. By the Rev. Robert 
Dugdale. Published in the Wesleyan Magazine for October, 1854. 

The Faithful Minister of Chiist passing to his Final Reward : A Sermon 
occasioned by the Death of the Rev. Robert Newton, D.D. Preached in the 
Wesleyan Chapel, City-Road, London, on W^ednesday, May 24th, 1854. 
By Thomas Jackson. Published by Request. 



EEY. EOBEET >"ETVTOy^ D.D. 



383 



its formation to tlie close of life liis zeal on its behalf 
never cleclinedj and all liis energies of mind and body were 
most cheerfollT employed in its service. Probably no man 
ever advocated the canse of the workVs conversion more 
frequently^ either fi'om the pnlpit or the platform^, or suc- 
ceeded in exciting so large an amount of practical sympathy 
with this great object. His remarkable powers as an orator 
were never exercised on a more congenial subject^ nor more 
heartily put forth^ than in connexion with the ]\Iissionary 
enterprise ; and his loss will be long and keenly felt by 
those who from year to year have beeu accustomed to 
look forward to his ^dsits as a most influential means of 
advancing that enterprise^ both in the metropolis and in 
the various provinces of the United Kingdom. Such a 
loss the Committee feel would be irreparable^ did they not 
know that the work which they are called to conduct and 
cany forward is emphatically the work of God ; and it is 
their humble hope and prayer that He^ at whose command 
that work has been undertaken^ will Himself provide for 
its continued advancement^ even while He removes those 
who have so largely assisted its progress hitherto. 

" The Committee tender to the bereaved widow and 
family of their late beloved friend and coadjutor the expres- 
sion of their afl'ectionate sympathy ; and desire to entreat 
for them the continued care and consolations of Him who 
is the Pather of mercies^ and the God of all comfort.^^ 

^Ylien the Conference assembled^ the usual question was 
proposed^ TVhat Ministers have died since the last Con- 
ference ? The name of Eobert Xewton was announced^ 
and a solemn silence ensued. Tears were shed on every 
side^ but for a considerable time no one seemed able to 
speak. The following character of the deceased was 



384 



LIPE OP THE 



adopted by that body, and published in the Minutes of its 
proceedings: — 

E^OBEET Newtoin", D.D. — -He was born at Eoxby, in 
the North Riding of Yorkshire, on the 8th of September, 
1780. tie was first convinced of sin through conversa- 
tions Y\dth the Rev. John Kershaw, when about fourteen 
years of age ; and obtained salvation by faith in the 
sacrificial blood of Christ, while wrestling with God in 
prayer, two or tliree years afterwards, in company with 
his sister; when both were enabled to rejoice in God 
their Saviour. This great change was the foundation of 
all his subsequent eminence, both as a Christian and a 
Minister. At the early age of eighteen years he began 
to call sinners to repentance; and he was admitted into 
the Ministry, on probation, before he was nineteen years 
old ; his peculiar gifts, manly appearance, and great 
acceptance and success being held to justify this departure 
from the usage of the Connexion. He had been but a 
short time engaged in the sacred work when he was 
urged to labour in some of the most important Circuits, 
to several of which he was re-appointed with increasing 
acceptance. His legitimate popularity drew him from 
his Circuits so frequently, in order to meet the demands 
of various public institutions, that at length it was found 
expedient to liberate him from the ordinary duties of the 
Ministry during week-days ; and he availed himself of this 
opportunity to advocate, with unparalleled diligence, 
eloquence, and success, the claims of Methodism to 
pecuniary and active support. His vigorous constitution, 
and his perpetual serenity of mind, enabled him to sustain 
an amount of labour unknown, perhaps, in the church, 
except in one or two illustrious instances. It is supposed 



SET. HCBEET XEAVTOX. D.D. 



385 



that he travellecl not less than six thousand miles a 
year, when transit was comparatively slow ; and, in later 
years, some eight thousand miles ; and he engaged in 
pubKc sernces not less than twelve times a week, on an 
average. It is probable that he thus collected more 
money for religious objects than any other man. All 
the interests of Methodism were promoted, beyond the 
power of human calculation; and other churches and 
institutions, especially in former years, also reaped great 
advantages from his energetic advocacy. The Bible 
Society and various Missionary Societies were greatly 
aided by his labours, and have not failed gTatefully to 
acknowledge those serdces. For many years he regularly 
attended the xlnniversary ]\Ieetings of oui' own Missionary 
Society, and umformly to their interest and advantage. 
In 184:0, Dr. Xevston visited the United States of 
America, as the Representative of the British Conference ; 
and labom^ed, during his sojourn there, with extraordinary 
influence and effect. Tour times, by the affectionate 
suffrages of his brethren in the Ministry, he was raised 
to the highest lionoui^s of the Connexion, as President 
of the Conference ; and nineteen times he filled the 
distinguished office of its Secretary. Dr. Xewton was 
eminently a Methodist Preacher, unfolding and applying 
Christian truth with simplicity, unction, and power. 
Perhaps no ^linister^s eloquence, in modern times, exer- 
cised so great an influence over the minds of men. His 
preaching was strictly popular, and found a response in 
every bosom, and among all classes of people. Its charm 
and power lay in its strictly evangehcal character. He 
always preached Christ, and Christ's Gospel, in some of 
•those leading and essential truths whereby the Holy Spirit 

L L 



386 



LIFE OF THE 



glorifies the Saviour. His evident aim was to become 
a fit instrument to be employed by God in the salvation 
of men. His spint was eminently evangelical^ devout, 
manifestly sincere and earnest, in sympathy with his 
subject and with his audience ; full of life, joy/ and good- 
ness j and his looks, words, and tones fully expressed 
his own happy convictions. His style was simple, per- 
spicuous, forcible, and conclusive; and his words and 
idioms were thoroughly English, fit for the most polished 
and fastidious, while the common people heard him 
gladly. His voice was extraordinary for its depth, compass, 
and power, and capable of vast modulation. His utter- 
ance was fluent, natural, and effective; and his action, 
free, and most impressive. He was ^as a very lovely 
song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play 
well on an instrument.'' His text announced his theme, 
which gave unity to his discourse. His introduction 
was appropriate, his divisions were simple and well- 
defined, and every part had a natural sequence. His 
thoughts, like his subjects, were well chosen ; and, with- 
out show of argument, each passage carried conviction 
of the truth, as well as of the Preacher^s belief of the 
truth. He was often the subject of great emotion in 
preaching; but it was always under control, and the 
power of the discourse was sustained to the last. It was 
no ordinary mind that could, for half a century, please 
and edify mixed assemblies, of the most diversified 
capacities and tastes, and always make what in fact is 
old produce the effect of novelty. But he cultivated 
large acquaintance with revealed truth, and carefully 
prepared his discourses, which, by a natural logic, were 
as much fitted to convince the hearer, as, by their 



EEV. EOBEUT NEWTO^^ D.D. .387 

adorning and delivery^ tliey were calculated to please and 
persuade. On the platform^ Dr. ]}Tewton always found 
the highest acceptance; and his advocacy was eloquent 
and powerful. Ever true to Methodism^ he consecrated 
time^ talents^ influence^ everj^hing, to the promotion of 
its interests^ as a great work of God. In the day of 
trouble, rebuke, and opposition, he never quailed, but 
was always ready to suffer for Christ^s sake. His consist- 
ency, his kindness, and his irreproachable life, gained 
him the affectionate respect of universal Methodism ; and 
never was popularity so general and so unfading. His 
influence in the Connexion was the result of the power 
of character, knowledge of our discipline, and inflexible 
adherence to it, together with that kindness of heart 
which ever secured to him the love and confidence of his 
brethren. His intercourse with the people was extensive 
beyond parallel ; and its effect was not only to endear 
himself to them, but also greatly to promote their 
spiritual good. At length his Herculean strength gave 
way, and he was compelled to relax his labours. In 
1852, he requested to be allowed to retire from the 
more active work of the Ministry. He resided for a 
season at Southport ; and, about a fortnight before his 
death, removed to Easingwold, trusting that the air of 
his native county might soothe, if it did not renovate, 
his wearied nature. He felt that he had finished his work ; 
but he was perfectly prepared for the change for which 
he patiently and devoutly waited. He was seized with 
paralysis, and became unconscious. When he had reco- 
vered sensibility, being asked if he still felt Christ to 
be precious, he replied, ' 0 yes ! Christ Jesus attesting 
and Messing, Christ is mine, and I am His. Christ is 

2 L 2 



388 



LIFE OE THE 



my Rock/ To one of his daughters he said^ ^ Pray for a 
happy exit j ^ aiid^ on the hnes being repeated^ — 

* Away, sad doubt, and anxious fear : 
Mercy is all that 's written there/ — 

he sweetly smiled^ and said^ ^ I have no feai% no alarm : 
perfect love casteth out fear/ During his affliction^ he 
often poured out his soul in strains of more fervid 
eloquence than his nearest relatives had ever been 
favoured to hear. On the morning previous to his death, 
he once more bade farewell to all his family ; and then 
uttered, with an almost superhuman energy, the following 
among other sentiments : — ^ The preaching that flows 
from the heart does good every day/ ^Christ Jesus, the 
Eansom of sinners, and the Life of the dead/ After 
which, sinking back exhausted, he said, am going — 
going— going — to glory/ ^ Earewell sin ; farewell death/ 
^ Praise the Lord/ Plis death-scene was indeed a 
triumph. He fell asleep about noon, and awoke no 
more until the blessed Hght of his Lord^s immediate 
presence burst upon him, about four o^ clock on the fol- 
lowing morning, April 30th, 1854, in the seventy-fourth 
year of his age, and the fifty-fifth of his m.ost memorable 
ministry."'^ 



KEY. EOBEUT NEWTOX^ D.D, 



389 



CHAPTEE XYIII. 

Prom the preceding record^ it is presumed, a tolerably 
correct view may be obtained of the life and labours of the 
late Dr. Eobert Newton ; and yet a few additional obser- 
vations upon the prominent features of his character^ 
confirmed and illustrated by some additional facts^, may 
not be unacceptable to the reader^ nor devoid of benefit. 

Personally considered^ he was unquestionably one of the 
noblest specimens of human nature. He was somewhat 
taller than the generality of men,, well proportioned in 
every part^ robust^ of great muscular power^ evidently 
formed for activity^ and capable of bearing almost any 
amount of labour. His breast was prominent^ his shoul- 
ders broad^ his gait firm and manly ; so that even his 
appearance seemed to intimate that he was not born to 
spend his days in obscurity^ but to take the lead among 
his contemporaries^ and to answer some high and honour- 
able purpose in life. His countenance was eminently 
prepossessing^ being indicative of good-nature^ kindness^ 
generosity^ frankness^ intelligence^ and decision ; and these 
peculiarities^ with — 

His fair large front, and eye sublime," 

at once impressed the persons who were brought into his 
presence^ so as to command their respect^ especially when 
they heard the sound of his incomparable voice. His 
noble bearing bespoke him as intended to stand before 
Kings^ and not before mean men.^^ 

His mind w^as in beautiful correspondence with his out- 
2 L 3 



390 



LIFE O^' THE 



ward frame ; for he had a singular readiness of apprehen- 
sion^ facility in acquiring knowledge^ a sound practical 
judgment^ an easy and distinct utterance^ and an instinctive 
perception of what is decorous and becoming; so that^ 
without the rules of a polite and artificial trainings he was 
naturally a thorough gentleman^ without affecting that 
character ; and in his general intercourse with society he 
exemplified a prudence which was perhaps never surpassed^ 
and yet without the slightest compromise of moral principle. 

These natural qualifications were all rendered doubly 
attractive and beneficial by the principles of piety with 
which his mind was imbued in early life^ and which were 
perpetuated^ in uninterrupted exercise and unimpaired 
vigour^ to the end of his earthly course. True it is^ that^ 
like the rest of mankind^ he was born in sin^ and was by 
nature a child of wrath ; but^ in the manner already de. 
scribed^ he obtained the mercy of forgiveness^ and the 
regenerating grace of the Holy Spirit^ so as to be made 
happy in God^ and a new creature in Christ Jesus. From 
this period^ it would appear^ he suffered no spiritual de- 
clension^ but grew in grace^ and increased with the 
increase of God.^^ His was a life of faith in Christy as 
a dying and interceding Saviour^ and the Source of all 
spiritual good ; he lived in habits of devotion^ breathing 
out his soul to God continually in prayer^ thanksgiving, 
and praise; the Holy Spirit constantly witnessing his 
adoption^ and helping his infirmities in every act of duty. 
His love to God and man — the great principle of all 
holiness — was fervent and abounding ; so that to obey the 
Divine commands was his joy and delight^ and to seek the 
good of mankind afforded a rich pleasure to his sanctified 
nature. His intercourse with God was habitual^ being 



EEY. ROBEET NEWTON^ D.D. 



391 



maintained by constant prayer and faith; and hence his 
was a happy religion. It rendered him eminently cheerful ; 
and it was no less deep^ evangelical^ scriptural^ and prac- 
tical. There was in it no airy speculation ; no mysticism ; 
nothing dark and cloudy. It was based npon the great 
truths of the Gospel^ especially those wiiich relate to the 
offices of Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit. It 
rendered him both inwardly and outwardly holy, and 
constrained him to yield himself up as the willing servant 
of God, and for His sake the servant of all mankind. At 
the same time it placed him in an intimate alliance with 
the heavenly world, to which his hopes and desires were 
daily and hourly directed. In all this it is easy to perceive 
that he was guided solely by the Holy Scriptures ; for he 
attached no importance to anything bearing the name of 
religion, which has not the sanction of the word of God. 

His character with regard to the domestic relations was 
in every respect exemplary. His love to his parents was 
tender and reverent ; and as they both lived to witness his 
deep and established piety, and his eminence as a Minis- 
ter, great must have been their glorying on his account. 
To his brothers and sisters his love was sincere and undying. 

What he was as a husband his correspondence in 
this volume declares. He treated his wife with unvary- 
ing kindness and respect, giving honour to her as an 
heir with himself of eternal hfe; and he was deeply 
concerned for her happiness in both worlds. When they 
had lived together in unbroken harmony for fifty years, 
they celebrated the jubilee of their marriage, their chil- 
dren and grandchildren being present. On this memor- 
able day, when these their descendants presented their 
tokens of filial love, he told them that during all those 



393 



LIFE or THE 



years neither an unkind word^ nor an unkind look^ had 
passed between him and their mother^ unless an incident 
which took place when he Avas stationed in Leeds might 
be regarded as an exception. He had^ as usual^ been 
from home during the week^ and was expected" to return 
on the Saturday evening. In the afternoon of that day^ 
when sailing up the Humber^ the steamer was enveloped 
in a dense fog; and the Captain^ deeming it unsafe to 
proceed^ cast anchor till about four o^ clock on the Sunday 
morning, when the atmosphere became clear. At Selby 
he met with another interruption, having to wait a con- 
siderable time before the train started; so that he did 
not arrive in Leeds till about eight o^ clock, when he had 
to procure a conveyance to his appointment, which was 
about eight miles distant. He had therefore scarcely 
time to inquire after the welfare of his family, who had 
been kept all night in a state of anxious suspense. As 
he had to meet some classes after the preacliing in the 
evening, he did not reach home till about ten o^ clock. 
On the Monday morning he rose at an early hour, having 
a long journey before him, and not expecting to return 
to his family before the end of the week. Mrs. Jfewton, 
according to her usual practice, rose to see him com- 
fortably provided for before his departure ; and, at the 
hour of five o^ clock, as she was pouring out a cup of 
coffee for him, burst into tears, and said, ^^This is melan- 
choly work.^^ He said, I left home that morning with 
a sad heart.''^ It grieved him to find that his mode 
of life was a cause of sorrow to one who stood in so 
near and tender a relation to himself ; but that which she 
for the time felt to be melancholy,^^ was a somxe of 
joy and everlasting benefit to thousands. That their 



HEV. ROBERT XETTTO^"; D.B. 



893 



married life should have been thus happy^ and blessed 
of the Lord^ will excite no sui'prise^ when it is recollected 
that it was their practice^ through the entire period of 
their union^ to retire twice a day for the purpose of 
praying with and for each other^ except when his absence 
from home rendered it impossible."^ 

His fatherly affection for his children^ and pious con- 
cern for their conversion and salvation^ are strikingly 
apparent in the extracts fi'om his letters vrhich are now 
before the reader. Some of the last petitions to which 
his heart and Hps gave utterance were offered to God 
in behalf of his children^ whom he intensely desired to 
meet in heaven. Several persons^ whose admiration of him 
in the pulpit and upon the Missionary platform was 
unbounded^ have thought^ that because he was not in 
the habit when he was from home of speaking much 
about liis family^ he was deficient rather than otherwise 
in the tenderness of his domestic . affections ; but they 
have entirely misapprehended his character. A kinder 
husband and father perhaps never lived; but then his 
kindness was not dotage. It was the kindness of an 
inteUigent and strong-minded man. 

TTliat he was as a master is sufficiently attested by 
the fact^ that two servant-maids^ converted and Christian 
womeU; Xanny and Xaomi^ went with him and his family 



* Let man and ^vife pray together ; let tliem confer with, each other of 
their heavenly country ; let them sing a Psalm together, and join in snch 
religions exercises : so shall their hearts be knit together, fast and firm, to 
God first, and so to each other. Religion, we know, (as the word impoiteth,) 
is of a very binding natm-e; and therefore St. Peter would by no means 
that the prayers of the married should be interrupted.'"' — Whately's ''Bride- 
Bush," p. 49. Edit. 1619. 



394 



LIFE or THE 



from Circuit to Circuit for many years^ cleaving to them 
with the affection of children ; serving them with cheerful 
fidelity, under the impulse of esteem and gratitude, and 
rejoicing in their master^s popularity and success. Nanny 
nursed the whole of their children, and three of their grand- 
children. She died in the family at an advanced age. 

As a Preacher he possessed many and eminent advan- 
tages ; such as a fine person and countenance, a rich, 
melodious, and powerful voice, a noble and manly bear- 
ing, perfect seK-possession, fluency of speech, a distinct 
utterance, and an unfailing memory. As soon as he 
appeared in the pulpit, and cast his benignant look upon 
the congregation, the people could not withhold their 
admiration, and were naturally disposed to pay a respect- 
ful attention to his teaching. But when they heard the 
sound of his majestic voice, their admiration assumed 
a higher tone; and they felt as if they could listen to 
him without weariness for any length of time. So far 
as, our own experience has extended, his voice was unique. 
It was a deep bass, of vast compass, and yet capable 
of the softest and most musical modulations. He could 
make himself distinctly heard in the largest chapels, 
w^hen most densely crowded, and that without the slight- 
est straining ; and he could readily adapt it to a small 
congregation of peasants in a private dwelling-house. 
His voice had this peculiarity, that it seemed never to 
fail. However it might be taxed by the length and 
frequency of his public services, we never heard him 
complain of hoarseness, or of a pain in his chest; nor 
were his hearers sensible of any diminution in its power, 
or in the sweetness of its tones, until he experienced a 
general decay of strength in the time of old age. In 



EZY. EOBZKT ^E^OX^ D.D. 



395 



the open air at Baltimore, lie was heard bv upwards 
of ten thousand people, and heard, without any percepti- 
ble variation, to the end of the service. 

His self-possession was such, that, before the largest 
assembhes, he was so far at ease as to have the full 
command of his powers. His tenacious memory enabled 
liim to cite the Holy Scriptui^es with verbal accui'acy; 
and it may be fahly doubted whether, on any public 
occasion, he was ever known to pause, even for a mo- 
ment, for the most appropriate word in giving expression 
to his thoughts. 

Though the early years of his life, when the habits 
of speech are formed, were spent in a country village, 
where he never mingled Avith polished society ; yet, such 
was the nice discrimination of liis ear, that he retained 
scarcely any vestige of a pro"STQcial pronunciation. Xor 
was th^re the least stiffness in his manner of speaking. 
In his elocution all was elegant, proper, and natural. 
His voice was never so elevated as to be disagreeable, 
nor so depressed as to be unheard. Every sound was 
clear, and every word was chstinct; so that aged peo- 
ple, and persons whose hearing was somewhat impaired, 
were always delighted to find that they could apprehend 
the whole of his discourses, from the unpardonable 
vices of screaming and Avhispering in the pulpit he was 
perfectly free ; and, in that most sacred of all places upon 
earth, he never attempted to court attention to hirnseh 
by any pecuharities of ^-oice, action, or expression. He 
might, indeed, be said to speak from head to foot; his 
tones, liis look, the action of his arms and hands, being 
all indicative of iivehness and animation : for in preaching 
he aimed at nothing, he thought of nothing, but to 



396 



LIFE OP THE 



make the people tliorouglilv understand the truths and 
feel its power. We never heard from his lips a cold 
and heartless sermon. 

As to the substance and character of his discourses^ 
they were invariably orthodox^ evangehcal^ experimental, 
and practical. He was unwavering in his attachment to 
the catholic faith, as it is embodied in the three Creeds 
which the Christian church has for ages recognised,— 
not because they have existed from a remote antiquity, 
and have been defended by learned men, — but because 
he found them to be in strict accordance with the Holy 
Scriptures. Whatever speculations even men of piety 
and erudition might advance, and attempt to support 
by philosophy and metaphysical argument, he held with 
a strong and unyielding grasp ^'^the faith which was 
once delivered to the saints/^ feehng that if men once 
surrender the plain and obvious meaning of God^s word, 
they will be at the mercy of every wind, and in the 
utmost danger of putting away a good conscience, and 
of making shipwreck of their faith. 

Of the charge which our Saviour gave to His Apostles, 
Preach the Gospel,''* Dr. Newton was conscientiously 
observant. Whoever went to hear him preach, whether 
on special occasions, or in the course of his ordinary 
ministry, was sure to hear the Gospel, in some of its 
great and distinctive features, so as to receive an answer 
to the inquiry, "^^What must I do to be saved P^"" The 
universal guilt and sinfulness of mankind ; their conse- 
quent helplessness and misery; the incarnation of the 
Son of Godj the union in Him of the Divine and 
human natures ; the glories of His person, as God mani- 
fest in the flesh ; the spotless purity and perfect righte- 



HEY. HOBEUT XEWTOX^ D.D. 



397 



ousness of His life; tlie reality and perfection of His 
sacrifice; tlie tenderness^ prevalence^ and perpetuity of 
His intercession ; His universal dominion ; the neces- 
sity of repentance ; justification by faith ; the witness 
of the Holy Spirit to the fact of personal adoption ; 
sanctification by the power of the Holy Ghost ; the neces- 
sity of universal obedience; and a state of endless retri- 
bution : these, and kindred topics, with their practical 
application and bearing, constituted the substance of his 
very powerful ministry. Of these cardinal truths he 
never lost sight, and with him they never lost their 
interest. They sustained and nourished his own faith 
and hope ; they were the exciting themes of his happy 
eloquence; and his manner of treating them retained an 
undying freshness to the end of his life. No Minister, 
at least in modern times, more fully exemplified the 
ad^^ce which was so eloquently given by a distinguished 
Prelate to liis Clergy : — Apply yourselves with the whole 
strength and power of your minds to do the work of 
Eva.ngelists. Proclaim to those who are at enmity with 
God, and children of His wrath, the glad tidings of 
Christ^s pacification ; sound the alarm to awaken to a life 
of righteousness a world lost and dead in trespasses and 
sins ; lift aloft the blazing torch of revelation, to scatter 
its rays over them that sit in darkness and the shadovv' 
of death, and guide the footsteps of the benighted 
wanderer into the paths of life and peace.^"'^ 

There are three objects to^ be accomplished by the 
evangelical ministry which Christ hath instituted. The 
first is to impart right views of the Gospel, so that people 



* Horsley. 
M M 



398 



LIFE OF THE 



may know what it really is ; the second is to produce in 
their minds a conviction of its truths so that they may 
regard it as a direct revelation from God to fallen men; 
and the third is to stimulate them to a corresponding 
course of action. That it may be to them a means of 
life and salvation^ according to its declared purpose^ they 
must understand its real nature^ be impressed with its 
Divine authority^ and so far comply with its require- 
ments^ as to turn to Christ in penitence and faith 
unfeigned^ and yield themselves up to Him as His 
willing and devoted servants. The Minister who does 
not succeed in the attainment of these objects fails in 
that which is the great end of all preachings — the salvation 
of his hearers. If his failure arise from their own wil- 
ful blindness and obstinacy^ their blood is on their own 
heads ; but if it arise from a defect in his ministry^ he 
must bear the blame^ with all its terrible consequences^ 
for ever. 

We hazard nothing in saying that the preaching of no 
man among his contemporaries was more directly adapted 
to secure these great purposes than that of Dr. Newton. 
His views of Gospel-truth Avere singularly clear^ and his 
exposition of it was so lucid and well-defined^ that it 
Avas impossible to mistake his meaning. As the messen- 
ger of God to dying men, he uttered no dark and 
ambiguous expressions; he occupied not his time with 
matters that are merely conjectural ; but dwelt upon that 
which is undoubted truth, and presented it in its scrip- 
tural simplicity. At the same time he often referred to 
the evidences of Christianity, and proposed them, in such 
a manner as was eminently calculated not to irritate, but 
convince. With the exception of the late Dr. Chalmers, 



HET. EOBEET XEWTON^ D.D. 



399 



it may be justly qiiestioued whether any other Minis- 
ter of his age dwelt more frequently^ or more snccess- 
fuUy, upon the claims Trhicli the Gospel has to be 
regarded as a revelation from God. He showed especially 
that the very substance of the Gospel, when ^'iewed in 
ck)nnexion with the mighty design which it is intended to 
achieve^ fully justifies the splendid array of evidence by 
which its claims are supported. And certainly no man ever 
more earnestly^ with greater depth of feelings or with 
greater force of thought and expression^ pressed upon 
his hearers the duty of practical attention to the warnings 
of the Gospeb immediate compliance with its invitations, 
and unreserved obedience to its precepts. 

The effects which attended his ministry corresponded 
T\-itli its character. ZSot a few of the people whom he 
addressed took the warnings that he sounded in their 
ears^ so as to turn from their sins to God ; many con- 
trite spirits were by him directed and led to the Saviour ; 
and many became examples of holy living and of active 
zeal. Among his spiritual children are gifted and labo- 
rious Ministers, Local Preachers, Class-Leaders^. Sunday- 
school Teachers, officers in Missionary Societies, and 
exemplary private members of the living chui'cli. They 
are found in all parts of the kingdom j and, as he 
advanced in life, they were made known to him in 
increasing numbers, so as to augment his thankfulness 
and joy, and encourage hhn to perseverance in his calling. 
ATe vrSl select one example as a specimen of an indefi- 
nite number. Three or four years ago, when he was on 
a wisit to Great Bridge, in the ATednesbury Circuit, the 
Eev. Thomas Harris, being in company with him^ said, 
■ The fii'st time I heard you preach. Dr. Xewton, was 



400 



LIFE OF THE 



at Middleton^ near Mancliester, in the year 1816^ at the 
anniversary of the Sunday-school; and your text was^ 
^ By grace are ye saved through faith/ He replied^ 
Do you remember that a number of girls were placed 
on raised seats before, and on each side of, the pulpit ; 
that Avhen I made an appeal to the congregation for the 
support of the school, I put my hand upon the head 
of a girl who was nearest to me, and said, — ' This child 
has an immortal soul, w^hich must be either saved or 
lost. She will be either a glorified spirit among the 
saints, or a lost soul among the outcasts in hell, to all 
eternity. The design of our Sabbath-schools is the sal- 
vation of these children; to instruct them in the way 
of righteousness, to lead them to Christ, to fit them for 
usefulness on earth, and teach them the way to heaven.'' 

Many years after this,^" continued the Doctor, " when 
I was stationed in the Manchester First Circuit, I was 
giving Society-tickets to a class, and, on calling the name 
of a middle-aged respectable woman, she said, after 
relating her experience, ^Pray, Sir, do you remember 
that, when you preached for the Sunday-school at Mid- 
dleton, many years ago, you laid your hand on the head 
of a little girl, and gave a solemn address to the con- 
gregation ? ^ ^ Yes,^ I answered ; ^ I remember the case 
distinctly ."^ ^ Blessed be God,^ rejoined the woman, ^ I 
was that little girl; and such was the impression that 
was then made upon my mind, that it never left me; 
nor could I rest until I gave my heart to God, joined 
His people, and obtained His pardoning mercy. I have 
been a member of the Society ever since.'' This was a 
heart-cheering testimony, and encouraged me in my 
labours for God.''^ 



HEY. EOBEUT XE^T:0X^ D.D. 



401 



Examples of personal conversion^ effected by God^s 
blessing npon his instrumentality^ might be detailed 
through many pages in these memoirs. The day of the 
Lord will declare them all. 

His sermons^ as to their structure and form^ were not 
aU cast into the same mouldy but presented an agreeable 
variety. Some of them were thoroughly argumentative ; 
others simply didactic ; others expository of the sacred 
text j and others again were beautifully picturesque. AU 
nature loves variety^ and why should not sermons partake 
of that character ? AVe never^ however^ heard him deliver 
a sermon in the form of an essay ; for he thought that a 
few clear and well-defined di\dsions in an oral discourse 
greatly assist the people both in apprehending the subject^ 
and in their subsec|uent remembrance of it ; and that this 
mode of proposing the truth is therefore to be decidedly 
preferred. 

It has been sometimes alleged, in the way of complaint^ 
that his sermons were common in respect of the subjects 
which they embraced. The fact is freely conceded. This 
was one of the prime excellencies of his ministry. He was 
too good a man, and too deeply impressed with the respon- 
sibility under which he was laid, to spend his time in the 
pulpit, and the time of the listening multitudes around 
him, in expatiating upon topics which might gratify by their 
novelty, but which have only a remote connexion with the 
everlasting interests of redeemed sinners, and are hardly 
comprehended in the commission of our Lord : Preach 
the GosPEL.^^ The object of the Christian ministry is not 
amusement, but salvation, — a fact vvdiich seems to be for- 
gotten by a large class of people in the present times^ who 
indulge an unnatural cra^dng for what they ominously call 

2 M 3 



402 



LIFE OF THE 



intellectual preaching/' Whether our Saviour or His 
Apostle St. Paul would have met the wishes of these fas- 
tidious hearers is extremely doubtful. The subjects of 
Dr. Newton^s ministry were common/^ because they all 
related to " the common salvation ; " but his manner of 
treating those subjects was endlessly diversified^ and always 
worthy of a man of genius and of taste. Not a few of his 
sermons^ in his high and palmy days^ were finished speci- 
mens of evangelical theology^ of logical arrangement and 
argumentation^ and of sanctified eloquence. 

He often preached from the same text. This was una- 
voidable^ partly on account of his incessant activity^ and 
consequent want of retirement ; and partly because he was 
too conscientious to deliver in the pulpit that wliich he 
had not previously studied and prepared with care. But 
though he repeatedly took the same text^ and in discoursing 
upon it followed the same general hue of observation and 
argument^ his forms of expression and modes of illustration 
were different^ and paragraphs were introduced as the cir- 
cumstances of each service required. At the same time^ 
his own heart was so impressed with the truths wliich he 
delivered; that persons who heard the same sermons a 
second or a third time felt that they possessed an undi- 
minished interest and freshness. 

His language in the pulpit is entitled to unqualified 
commendation. Notwithstanding his fluency as an ex- 
temporary speaker^ he never weakened the effect of his 
sermons by a redundant verbiage^ by long and involved 
sentences^ by hard words^ or by an affectation of deep 
thought, which is often nothing more than ^' darkness 
visible.''^ In the private journal which he kept when he 
visited America, he describes a sermon which he there 



REV. EGBERT XEY»^TON^ D.D, 



403 



liearcl^ as an intellectual tempest^ a storm of elocjiience^ 
at tlie antipodes of St. John and John Wesley.''^ From 
such an artificial and unnatui'al mode of delivering the 
truth of God he conscientiou.sly abstained. His words 
and idioms were purely Enghsh ; the meaning of his 
sentences^ according to the teaching of an ancient rheto- 
rician^ fell upon the mind of the hearer as the light of 
the sun falls upon the eye. AThat he said was not only 
intelligible to every one_, but it could not be misunderstood. 
Persons of cidtivated inteUect admu^ed his terse and ner- 
vous diction^ and the common people heard him gladly ; 
for they understood all that he advanced^ and they clearly 
perceived that he meant to do them good. A Professor in 
one of the American colleges, after hearing him preach, 
thanked him for his sermon, observing that it was sound 
in doctrine, and dehvered ^^in good Saxon English.^^ 

Some people, apparently wishful to show their own 
penetration, and to depreciate his intellectual character, 
have suggested that the popularity to which he attained 
as a pubhc speaker, and the admii^ation in which he was 
generally held, are to be attributed mainly to his personal 
appearance, his voice, and manner; not considering that 
these peculiarities can never account for his correct and 
comprehensive acquaintance with revealed truth, nor for 
his luminous and energetic style. A fine voice and person 
can never make a man an accomplished Divine, nor give 
him the command of a pure and forcible diction. The 
fact is, he possessed a powerful, intellect, and in the earlier 
years of liis ministry he was a hard student, an attentive 
reader, a careful observer of the best models of effective 
preaching; and he practised himself diligently in Kterary 
composition. He had indeed every advantage of nature; 



404 



LIEE OF THE 



but he rose to eminence by labour^ prayer^ and perseve- 
rance. Genius^ however brilKant^ can never supersede 
the necessity of study. It is not possible^ in the nature 
of things^ that any man should attain to the sound and 
sanctified popularity of Dr. Newton without strict and 
laborious mental culture. His sermons were prepared 
with great care. They contained nothing crude and in- 
digested ; but^ in respect both of thought and expression, 
were solid, rational, and manly. 

In a body Kke that of the Wesleyan Methodists, where 
so much of public worship is extemporary^, the gift of 
prayer is as important as the gift of preaching, and the 
cultivation of both is equally incumbent upon the Minis- 
ters and Pastors of the flock. To be able to lead the 
devotions of a worshipping assembly in an impressive and 
edifying manner is a most desirable acquirement. It is 
one of those ^^best gifts,^^ which every one should ear- 
nestly covet,^^ and diligently labour to obtain. In this 
part of his work, as weU as in every other. Dr. Newton 
was an example. His prayers were never stiff, systematic, 
and formal ; but they were comprehensive, embracing the 
wants of individuals in aU the diversified circumstances 
of life ; the wants of the church ; the wants of the com- 
monwealth ; the wants of the world. When engaged in 
this solemn duty, he was reverent, animated, importunate ; 
and as free from aU offensive peculiarities of voice and 
manner, as he was in preaching; neither beginning with 
a whisper which no one could hear, nor repeating the 
Lord^s Prayer with irreverent rapidity, and in an altered 
tone of voice, as if it constituted no part of Divine worsliip. 
"With him it was manifest the spirit of prayer was habitual. 

As a friend and advocate of Missions to the Heathen, 



HEV. R0BE:RT NEWTON; D.D. 



405 



he had many co-adjutorS; but few equals. "With regard 
to the great scheme of the workUs conversion to the faith 
of Christ; his conduct was regulated by a few great princi- 
pleS; to wliich he adhered with unde\*iating constancy. 
The world is ruined by sin ; — in heathen countries the 
corruptions of the human heart are rather stimulated and 
encouraged by idolatrous and superstitious forms of wor- 
ship; than restrained by religious and moral truth : — 
Christ has redeemed the world; He is its sovereign Lord; 
and has declared it to be His purpose that all flesh shall 
see His salvation; — He has given it in charge to His 
^linisterS; aided and sustained by all the other members 
of His church; to make His Gospel known to the ends 
of the earth ; — that Gospel; accompanied by the quicken- 
ing and sanctifying energy of the Holy Ghost; is the 
grand antidote to the sins and miseries of all nations ; 
— past success demonstrates the power of the remedy 
and hence the commission of the Lord Christ should be 
prosecuted with the utmost diligence; fidelity; self-deniah 
and at all hazards. Connected ^^ith these principles; 
which had a firm hold upon his understanding and con- 
science; was the sacred feeling of holy love which predo- 
minated in his heart. Of that love God in Christ was 
the supreme object. He longed to see liis Saviour known 
and honoured in all lands; and His praise celebrated 
in all the languages of the earth. He loved the world 
of mankind as redeemed by the blood of Christ; and he 
intensely desired that sinners of every tribe might be 
tmiied to their almighty and most mercifuJ SaA'ioui; so as 
to be made happy in Him for ever. Stimulated by these 
principles; and actuated by this lovC; he put forth his 
utmost efforts in behalf of the Heatheii; with a glad mind; 



406 



LIPE OF THE 



until liis spirit returned to God. For about forty years he 
continued liis services in this cause without interruption^ 
and certainly with unabated ardour. His Missionary 
speeches were quite as remarkable as his sermons. They 
were the free and spontaneous effusions of his warm and 
generous hearty rarely^ if ever^ studied beforehand^ and 
mostly taking their character from incidents connected 
with the meetings in which they were delivered ; but they 
were always kind^ always pious^ always encouraging^ 
always pertinent ; and they never failed fco secure a hearty 
response. Upon the Missionary platform, as with the 
wand of an enchanter, he touched the springs of generous 
feeling in the hearts of the crowds around him., so that 
they not only gave their money, but gave it with a right 
good will,^^ and with earnest prayers that the proposed end 
might be answered. His visits to particular places never 
failed to give a new impulse to the cause by quickening 
the zeal of Committees and Collectors, and calling forth, 
both in old and young, increased liberality. It not 
unfrequently happened that persons were so impressed 
under his addresses, that when the meetings were ended, 
they were not satisfied with their givings at the collection, 
and afterwards requested permission to increase them. 
In one instance, a plain countryman, having apparently 
had a severe conflict in his mind, returned to the chapel 
after he had taken his departure, went into the vestry 
where the friends were counting the collection, and throw- 
ing a sovereign on the table, abruptly said, Take it,'^ and 
retired. 

The rapid and steady advancement of the Wesleyan 
Missions, to the interests of which his labours were spe- 
cially directed, afforded him a rich and enduring pleasure. 



EEV. EOBEET XEWTOX^ D.D. 



407 



When lie entered upon liis public career in tlieir behalf^ 
the Missionaries ^ere only fifty in number, and the mem- 
bers of Society under their pastoral care about seventeen 
thousand souls. He hved to see the Missionaries increased 
to up^-vards of three hundred and fifty, the chm'ch-members 
raised to one hundred thousand ; and new Missions com- 
menced in Africa, in India, in Australia, Xew-Zealand, 
and in the Friendly and Feejeean Islands. In the main- 
tenance and extension of this great and good ATork he was, 
indeed, only one among an immense number of people 
like-minded with himseh; but from the beginning he took 
a leading part in this vast enterprise of mercy, and soon 
left nearly all liis companions behind at an immeasurable 
distance. He tridy loved the ]\rissionaries ; he sympa- 
thized with them in theh great work ; he created an 
interest in their favour wherever he went ; and when they 
retm'ued home, disabled by age or sickness, no man 
received them with a more hearty welcome. To hear of 
the civilization of savages by means of the Gospel, of the 
abolition of cannibalism, of infanticide, and of other bar- 
barous practices, afibrded him a pm-e gratification; but 
when he heard of Heathens turned unto the Lord, so that 
they knew theh sins forgiven, and were fihed with the 
fruits of righteousness, which are by Christ Jesus to the 
glory and praise of God, liis joy rose to rapture, and he 
apphed himseK to his Missionary work with new and 
augmented zeal. 

Among the other excellencies wliicli constituted and 
adorned his character, his catholic sphit was not the least 
prominent. He claimed for himself the right of private 
judgment, and liberty of conscience, and without grudging 
he conceded the same right to every other Christian man. 



408 



LIPE OF THE 



That tliere should be amorig orthodox and spiritually- 
minded men diversities of opinion concerning church- 
government, and the metaphysics of theology, was to him 
no matter of surprise, and no cause of mortification. He 
never railed against the Established Church, "nor against 
any of its Clergy or other members."^ He never railed 
against the Dissenting bodies ; he never spoke of them in 
language of contempt and bitterness ; he never attempted 



* Dr. Abraham Taylor, who was one of the most eminent of the Non- 
conformist Ministers in the early part of the last centmy, and second only 
to Dr. Waterland as an advocate of the catholic faith in opposition to the 
Arian heresy, thus addressed the son of his friend Hnrrion, on the occasion 
of that son's ordination : — " I would entreat you to carry it well to 
those of the national Establishment who have any regard for the Christian 
cause. According to the sentiments in which I have been long settled, 
none would take fewer steps to meet them as to a comprehension than I 
should ; but I cannot think this is a time to rake up all the old things which 
have passed between them and us. ^Vhen they were allowed by law, they 
persecuted us ; and when those of our principles had the power in their 
hands, they treated them in an unjustifiable way. The carriage of neither 
party w'ill bear examining. It is agreeable to corrupt nature to compel 
persons to om opinion ; and I doubt not, from w^hat I know of these spirits, 
that the fui'ious bigots for what they call 'liberty' would be the most 
dreadful oppressors of any. I humbly apprehend that this is a time to join 
our hands with theirs whose sentiments we cannot approve of about the 
o^overnment of the church, in defence of our common Christianity, the honour 
of Him whom all Protestants allow to be Head of the church, and the 
fundamental truths of the Gospel. It may make those who have not a word 
to say in defence of the truth as it is in Jesus, significant to talk with 
solemnity about keeping up the Dissenting interest ; but if this is separated 
from a regard to truth of doctrine, purity of w^orship, and true Christian 
liberty, as it lies in our being free to plead for what we believe to be of 
importance, it dwindles into a state faction, about which it is not worth 
a vrise man's while to trouble himself, as long as he is not deprived of his 
civil rights." — ''An Exhortation to Mr. John Hurrion, delivered at his 
Ordination, May 3d, 1732," pp. 45, 46. 



HEV. ROBERT NEWTON^ D.D. 409 

to foment among them a spirit of strife^ or to exasperate 
their existing differences ; he never interfered with, their 
ecclesiastical arrangements ; but held out to them the 
right hand of fellowship^ and was ever ready to serve 
them in love. He had no sympathy with the men who 
are loud in their clamours for religious liberty^ and yet are 
forward to persecute with their tongues and pens all who 
follow not with them. A scene which took place many 
years ago at Scarborough^ on the Wesleyan Missionary 
platform^ will show what manner of spirit he was of in 
respect of good men who differed from him in judgment. 
Upon that platform he found himself associated with the 
Rev. Samuel Bottomley^ the Independent Minister^ and 
the Rev. John Sykes^ Pastor of the Baptist churchy in that 
town. Mr. Bottomley addressed the meeting in a brief, 
sententious speech^ full of meanings like apples of gold 
in a silver basket. Mr. Sykes dehvered an eloquent 
address^ in wliich he represented such meetings as well 
adapted to unite together the various bodies of sincere 
Christians. Mr. Newton (for he did not then bear the 
title of Doctor) followed in the same strain; and then 
turning to the Baptist Minister^ and stretching out his 
hand^ he said^ in his own inimitable manner^ Brother 
Sykes^ if thy heart be as my hearty give me thy hand.''^ 
Then^ addressing the Independent Pastor in the same 
tone and spirit^ he said^ Brother Bottomley^ if thy heart 
be as my hearty give me thy hand."''' The three Ministers 
looked at each other and wept ; the meeting instantly 
caught the flame ; and all felt how good and pleasant it 
is for brethren to dweU together in unity .''^ Such was the 
prevalent feehng of his heart. A few days after this 
meeting, Mr, Bottomley said to one of his Methodist 

N N 



410 



LirE OF THE 



neighbours^ lie had hoped that such a time would come^ 
and had often prayed for it^ but hardly expected to see it 
himself. He added^ " That was a right platform on which 
we stood the other day/^ 

The spirit in which he passed through his course of 
popularity is worthy of special observation. As a pubhc 
speaker he was admired by all classes of people^ and 
admired from the beginning to the end of his public life. 
His visits in the agricultural districts to open a new 
chapel^ or to attend a Missionary anniversary^ created a 
sort of festival. The surrounding country was in motion. 
Along the roads were seen farmers with their wives and 
daughters in gigs^ market-carts^ and other vehicles of 
less pretension; grey-headed men^ each supported by his 
staff; labouring men in their Sunday clothings and poor 
women in their cloaks and plain bonnets; young people^ 
whose countenances told of healthy and of godly cheer- 
fulness ; all wending their way to hear the far-famed 
" Robert jSFewton ; every one bringing some pecuniary 
contribution towards the advancement of the good cause. 
In these cases, the windows of the chapels where he 
preached were usually wide open, and the places crowded 
to suffocation. When he visited London, Dubhn, and 
Edinburgh, he was always attended by eager multitudes, 
among whom were usually persons of distinction. Tor 
forty years he was familiarly known in nearly all the 
cities and large provincial towns of England ; and with 
scarcely any exceptions, his visits to the end of his life 
were hailed with undiminished pleasure by the people. 
One cause of his popularity doubtless was his very agree- 
able manner, and his matchless voice ; but the principal 
charm of his preaching was unquestionably to be found 



REY. ROBERT NE^YTOX,, D.D. 



411 



in his spirit, and the evangelical character of his sermons. 
The Gospel; as it was expounded and proclaimed by liim, 
presented a rich supply for every spiritual want, a healing 
balm for every wound and malady, an antidote to every 
grief and fear. The rich and the poor, the aged and 
the young, miners, manufacturers, artisans, agriculturists, 
men of science, and men without any education but that 
of rude nature, were aU alike interested in his preaching j 
for it was an unmistakable echo of the prophetic exhort- 
ation : " Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the 
waters, and he that hath no money; come ye."'^ The 
spirit of the Preacher was in full accordance with his 
message. The people felt that he was concerned for 
their welfare; they were attracted by his benevolent ten- 
derness ; and, as in the case of Paul at Athens, certain 
men clave to him,^^ and looked eagerly for the time 
when he would repeat liis visit, so that they might hear 
him again of this matter.''^ 

His self-abasement and modesty, under all these demon- 
strations of public favour, are strikingly manifest. He was 
never observed to assume any airs of self-importance, to 
betray any signs of vanity, or to despise the least gifted 
of his brethren. The fact is, he had a deep and perma- 
nent conviction that the public favour which he enjoyed 
was the gift of God, vouchsafed for purposes the most 
sacred and momentous. It involved a responsibility which 
often made him quail and tremble. It was once observed 
in his presence, that he addressed from year to year a 
greater number of people than perhaps any other living 
man. He paused, and answered, The greater is my 
responsibdity."'^ This is a subject to which he often refers 
in his correspondence with Mrs. Newton; connecting with 

2 N 2 



412 



LIFE OP THE 



every mention of it a request that she would pray for 
him^ so that he might obtain mercy of the Lord to be 
faithful/^ Never did he court popularity by flattering 
the people^ palliating their vices, or neglecting to warn 
them of the fearful consequences of a life of sin. His 
popularity was not evanescent ; for it was neither sought 
nor obtained by surreptitious means. It was the direct 
and unsought consequence of eminent talent, connected 
with an undeviating integrity, which was as transparent 
as a sunbeam. He never used his popularity for any pur- 
pose of selfishness, but laid all his honours at the feet 
of his Saviour, and most conscientiously used the influ- 
ence which God had given him for the good of the 
people. Prom everything approaching to faction or party 
he stood aloof, and united in perfect cordiality with his 
brethren in the advancement of the common cause. 

His prudence was not the least remarkable of his 
virtues. More than fifty years he spent under the imme- 
diate inspection of the public eye. During this time he 
sustained offices of trust, the duties of which were often 
critical and delicate, such as the Superintendent of a 
Circuit, the Chairman of a District, the Secretary and 
the President of the Conference. He was introduced 
into families in almost every grade of society, and in 
every part of the kingdom; he was thrown into every 
variety of company, when travelling in stage-coaches, rail- 
way-carriages, and steam-vessels ; he addressed public 
meetings in which even royalty was present, and meetings 
consisting of simple-minded villagers: yet such was his 
attention to times, persons, and circumstances, that we 
never find him off his guard, or giving unnecessary 
offence to any one. An imprudent man, travelling over 



EEV. EOBEET XE^VTOX^ D.D. 



413 



every part of the Metliodist Connexion from year to vear^ 
would be an occasion of incalculable miscliief, by tbe 
utterance of idle gossip^ or of personal prejudices; but 
Dr. Newton was an unmixed blessing wherever lie went. 
He was a messenger of good,, using all his influence to 
promote the peace and unity of the body. He was no 
talebearer, revealing secrets, and setting brethren at vari- 
ance ; nor did he ever take undue liberties with his 
friends, by any abuse of their kindness, so as to forfeit 
their confidence and good-will. On the contrary, they 
anticipated his visits with pleasure, and in all parts of 
the land received him with increased esteem and warmth 
of affection to the end of his life. His prudence was 
the more remarkable, because he was not cold and phleg- 
matic, but frank and generous in his disposition : yet the 
impulses of his generous nature never led him into acts of 
indiscretion. 

Some persons, having found him to be all but silent 
in company, have concluded that he had no talent for 
conversation, and have endeavoured to ascertain the rea- 
son why a man of such extraordinary powers as a public 
speaker should have no aptitude for making himself 
agreeable and instructive in social intercourse. Their 
surprise is the result of inattention. His powers of 
conversation were worthy of his high character in other 
respects; but his mind was constantly occupied with his 
pubhc duties. When he had finished one important ser- 
\ice, and his friends around him were cheered and de- 
hghted with what they had heard from his lips, half a 
dozen other services equally important awaited him in 
immediate succession; so that wliile they were inclined 
to talk, he was anxious and thoughtful, knowing what 

2 N 3 



414 



LIFE OF THE 



was expected from him the next day^ and the day after; 
and he was desirous above all things^ that Divine aid 
should be vouchsafed to hun^ and his labours in every 
place should not only be acceptable to the people^ but 
useful^ and approved by the great Master. In the pulpit 
he appeared to be free and easy ; but perhaps no Minister 
ever had a deeper feeling of responsibility than he. Yet^ 
when he could divest his mind of these official cares^, 
which pressed so heavily upon him^ his conversation was 
eminently instructive and interesting. He possessed an 
endless fund of anecdotes, the fruit of his own experi- 
ence^ and of his observations in his extensive journey- 
ings; and these he freely and gracefully imparted: but 
his conversation, which was often eminently cheerful, 
never degenerated into levity and folly; nor was it even 
tinged with detraction and backbiting. It instructed 
while it pleased, and always tended to godly edifying, 
and to virtuous action. 

To Wesleyan Methodism his attachment was strong 
and unwavering; but that attachment was not a blind 
and unreasoning bigotry. It was connected with the 
best and holiest feelings of his heart. He regarded the 
system as a pure and efficient form of apostolic Chris- 
tianity; and as such he devoted his life to its support 
and extension. Its doctrines he believed to be the very 
truth of God, which was delivered by His incarnate 
Son, and by the Apostles in His name. He had ex- 
amined them with diligence, prayer, and conscientious 
attention, and was thoroughly satisfied as to their scrip- 
tural authority; and he admired them the more, because 
of their holy tendency ; for he found them to be equally 
opposed to antinomian licentiousness and pharisaic pride. 



EEV. EGBERT ^'E^"^ON^ D.D. 415 

By the plain and earnest preacliing of these doctrines^ 
he saw that an incalcnlable amount of spiritual and 
moral good had been achieved. Hundreds of thousands 
of people^ in the various gradations of society^ and in 
all parts of the worlds especially among the labouring 
poor at home^ had not only been reformed in their out- 
ward conduct^ but raised into such a newness of Hfe/^ 
as to be undeniably ^^the sons and daughters of the 
Lord Almighty/^ They were examples of all that is 
beautiful and upright in religious character, and died 
in peace and hope. The power and blessings of a liv- 
ing Christianity, in the form of Methodism, he saw in 
the family of his own father; he witnessed the same in 
all the Circuits to which he was appointed; and demon- 
strative evidence to the same effect everywhere met his 
eye in his extensive journepngs, both in the United 
Kingdom and America. Doctrines which are so sanc- 
tioned by the Holy Spirit, as to be productive of such 
results, he thought must be in substantial agreement 
with the mind of God. 

The discipline of the body he regarded as thoroughly 
scriptural in its leading principles ; and its minuter de- 
tails he knew were not devised by human ingenuity, as 
matters of speculation, but were adopted from time to 
time to meet the exigencies of what was undeniably a 
great work of God. The efficiency of the Wesleyan dis- 
cipline is matter of liistoric testimony. It has been a 
means, under the Divine blessing, of preserving in the 
Ministry an uncorrupted orthodoxy for more than a hun- 
dred years ; so that no form of heretical opinion has ever 
obtained currency in the body; and at this day, when 
theological speculation is rife in various quarters, the 



416 



LIFE OP THE 



Methodist Preachers "all speak the same tiling/^ and 
are "perfectly joined together in the same mind and 
the same judgment/^ 

The absolute purity of any section of the church, in 
respect of piety and morals^ however desirable, can never 
be attained in this world; and those religious commu- 
nities are to be the most commended that make the 
nearest approaches to it. Men who have only "a form 
of godliness^'' will still find their way among the rege- 
nerated children of God; and even pure-minded Chris- 
tians will occasionally degenerate. The "Wesleyan dis- 
cipline is found to be well adapted to detect evil where 
it exists, and to preserve a marked distinction between the 
church and the world ; and its various institutions are 
ascertained to be a means of fanning the flame of real 
piety. Class-meetings, for instance, are invariably found 
to be prized in proportion to the spiritual-mindedness of 
the people; and the wilful neglect of them to be a sure 
indication of rehgious languor and decay. 

That the Methodist Ministers and Societies are so inti- 
mately united as to constitute one body, is an arrangement 
which was adopted from the time of their origin, and one 
to which great importance has ever been attached. The 
right of Christian people to form themselves into churches 
independent of each other, if they prefer this order, is 
freely acknowledged ; but then, it is presumed, they 
have an equal right to form direct and intimate alliances 
with each other, especially when the general cause of 
Christianity is likely to be extended by such an arrange- 
ment. The adoption of this order has always been 
regarded by the Methodists as connected with high and 
important advantages, especially in respect of the spread 



HEV. ROBERT 2sEWT0N^ D.D. 



417 



of Divine truths and the consequent advancement of the 
work of God. Many hundreds of small Societies^ in vil- 
lages and hamlets^ consisting mostly of poor people^ could 
never of themselves build chapels and support a ministry ; 
but they are supplied with both in consequence of their 
union with other Societies^ the strong helping the weak. 

On these and other grounds Dr. Newton^s attachment to 
his own people^ and to their theology and ecclesiastical 
arrangements, was deep and conscientious. TTith a sin- 
cere and Christian respect for all who love the Lord 
Jesus Christ in sincerity, he resolved with regard to his 
Methodist bretln-en, " Tliis people shall be my people, and 
their God my God.''^ The Lord do so to me, and more 
also, if aught but death part you and me.''^ Among them 
he first drew the breath of spiritual life ; by their instru- 
mentahty he was turned to Christ and saved ; in his inter- 
course with them he realized the communion of saints,^^ 
and often anticipated the bliss of heaven : and hence his 
heart clave to them with an undying affection. 

Of the strength of this affection he gave the most 
substantial proof; not satisfying liimseK Tvith the mere 
utterance of words of esteem and kindness, but devoting to 
the interests of the common cause an unexampled amount 
of valuable labour. "When a hope was once expressed 
to him that he kept an exact account of his extensive 
travels and ardent labours, he rephed, If I were to 
write sach an account, nobody would believe it. My 
record is on high.'''' He never affected to be a financier, 
and never courted distinction in that character; but he 
rendered essential service to the pecuniary interests of the 
body, at home as well as abroad, especially with respect to 
the trust-estates of chapels. Next to the great cause of 



418 



LIFE OP THE 



Missions^ his time and talents were cheerfully devoted to 
their relief. There is reason to believe that he preached 
more sermons at the opening of chapels^ and at chapel 
anniversaries^ than anj ten men in the Connexion. I'rom 
three to four thousand chapels were erected during the 
period of his extraordinary popularity ; and at the opening 
of the greater part of them he was present^ and rendered 
his efficient aid. The Trustees of chapels generally 
enjoyed the benefit of his services^ which they duly appre- 
ciated; for he was quite as willing to comply with their 
requests in small villages as in large and populous towns. 
Some years ago a woman in humble life, who was the 
principal support of a small Methodist cause in a village 
which is situated in one of the Midland counties, walked 
many miles to hear him preach, and asked him to pay a 
visit to her place of residence, that the people for whose 
salvation she was specially concerned might have an 
opportunity of hearing him. He looked at his interleaved 
almanack, where his appointments were entered, and told 
her that he had not a day at liberty before the Conference ; 
but he took her address, and pledged himself that he would 
comply with her wishes as soon as it was possible. She 
returned, and reported to her neighbours that Dr. Newton 
would certainly visit them. They were incredulous, and 
especially one man, who laughed at what he deemed her 
foUy. In a short time Dr. Newton received intelligence 
that an important meeting of a Bible Society, which he 
had engaged to attend, was postponed in consequence of 
the death of the gentleman who was expected to occupy 
the chair. He immediately wrote to the good woman, 
informing her of the event, and telling her that she might 
expect him on the day which to him had thus become 



REV. ROBERT NEWTON^ D.D. 



41 



vacant. She was overjoyed, and sent a child T^ith a leaf 
of laurel to the man who had been the most forward in 
ridiculing her hope^ leaving him to infer what the leaf was 
intended to signify. Her worth was duly appreciated by 
those who knew her ; and a family of distinction, hearing 
that so eminent a man was coming to be her guest, sent 
two of their servants to wait upon him ; so that while he 
partook of the plain dinner which she had provided for 
him, two men in livery, with theii' ^4iite gloves, stood 
behind his chair, anticipating his wants, but finding their 
duties not very onerous. To his mind the scene presented 
an amusing combination of humble hospitahty and high 
life. After a temperate meal he preached to the people 
with his characteristic warmth and cordiahty. One knows 
not which most to admire : the pious energy of the good 
woman in the cause of Christ, or the readiness with which 
the popular orator undertook a long journey to strengthen 
her hands, and to advance the cause which was dear to 
both their hearts. This was one of the numerous adven- 
tures which he delighted to recollect, and to repeat in the 
circle of his friends. 

It was not by labour only, that he showed liis deep and 
imalterable regard for Wesleyan Methodism. He cheer- 
fully submitted to suffer for it. When discontented men, 
who were given to change,^^ set themselves to subvert 
its godly order, and to disturb the peace of the Societies, 
he was amongst the foremost of the faithful band who 
withstood them to the face, and defended the sacred ark. 
When called to choose between the sacrifice of his popu- 
larity and the sacrifice of Methodism, he hesitated not for 
a moment ; but, committing his cause to Him that judgeth 
righteously, he meekly submitted to the hissings and 



420 



LIFE OF THE 



violence of a mob^ the jibes and misrepresentations of 
public agitators^ and the revilings of low and disreputable 
newspapers; and had it been necessary, he would have 
submitted, as many of his noble-minded brethren have done, 
to scanty fare and threadbare clothing, rather than betray 
the sacred trust which he sustained. 

Within the last three or four years, a few men (and 
very few, considering the circumstances of the body) who 
had part in the Wesleyan ministry, have renounced their 
connexion with Methodism, being unwilling to stand by 
it in the time of trial. It had raised them to honour, 
as public teachers, and thus given them a name and 
position in the church; but they forsook it in the day 
of its adversity, and some of them have lifted up the 
heel against it. Robert Newton was a ^^man of another 
spirit.'''^ He thought that if Methodism v/as worth 
embracing, it was worth defending. If it really is, when 
viewed in connexion with its results, as it has ever been 
regarded, a great work of God, — and if it has been a 
means of salvation to tens and even hundreds of thou- 
sands, — it ought not to be tamely abandoned at the 
dictation of unstable men, who, after aU their clamour, 
have nothing to substitute in the place of it. As a 
conservative of Methodism, he was a man after John 
Wesley^s own heart ; and his name will be honourably 
transmitted to posterity with the names of the Thomp- 
sons, the Mathers, and the Pawsons of a former age. He 
was willing to sacrifice his ease and quiet, that the world 
in perpetuity might enjoy the benefits of that form of 
Christianity from which he had himself derived the 
greatest advantage. He could neither practise nor 
praise a fugitive and cloistered virtue, unexercised and 



REV. EOBEET NEWTON^ D.D. 



421 



unbreatlied^ that never sallies out and sees her adversary, 
but slinks out of the race, where that immortal garland 
is to be run for, not without dust and heat/^ 

The single-mindedness and pious zeal of Dr. Newton 
were strikingly apparent through the whole of his public 
life. In accordance with the apostolic injunction, he 
was fervent in spirit ; but his zeal never expended 
itself upon trifles. It was directed to objects of the 
highest possible importance. To promote spiritual reli- 
gion, the conversion and salvation of the souls of men,— 
the great purpose for which the Son of God assumed 
the human nature, and died upon the cross, — was his 
only aim, his ceaseless endeavour. Por this end he 
laboured, by prayer and study, to acquire every requisite 
qualification for the Gospel ministry; for this he rose 
early, and late took rest ; for this he travelled extensively, 
by night and by day, enduring the summer^s heat and 
the winter^s cold; for this he sacrificed the pleasures 
of domestic intercourse, and became like a stranger and 
a visiter in his own family ; for this he sacrificed the 
gratification which arises from learned leisure, and an 
acquaintance with polite Literature ; for this he submitted 
daily to breathe a corrupted atmosphere in crowded and 
heated assembhes. In this course of life he persevered 
with untiring ardour for nearly forty years, constantly 
preaching, praying, conversing, to bring sinners to their 
Saviour, and to send the Gospel to the Heathen. As 
an example of his pious zeal, even in social intercourse, 
it may be stated that, when he went to a place in the 
neighbourhood of Otley, to attend a Missionary Meeting, 



* Milton. 
0 0 



422 



LIFE OF THE 



lie joined a considerable company at the house of a 
common friend ; and when they left the house to repair 
to the chapel^ he offered his arm to a young lady who 
was in a delicate state of health. Her father overtook 
them on the way^ and proposed to release the Doctor 
from his charge,, so that he might hasten forward to the 
meeting with greater speed than she was able to put 
forth. He declined the offer^ saying that he should be 
at the meeting as soon as he was wanted. At a sub- 
sequent visit he found her recovered ; and then confessed 
that the reason which induced him to walk with her^ and 
to dechne the offer of her father^ arose from a desire to 
converse with her concerning the salvation of her soul; 
judging^ from her appearance^ that her abode upon the 
earth would be of only short continuance. 

He was equally observant of every passing opportunity 
for defending the truths and recommending the practical 
adoption of it to strangers^ when he was placed in their 
company. Once, when travelling in a railway-carriage^ 
he found himself in the presence of an infidel, who soon 
began to obtrude his opinions upon his fellow-passengers, 
declaring his contempt for the Bible, adding that he 
needed it not; the book of nature affording him all the 
information that he required on religious and moral 
subjects. Dr. Newton observed a young man in the 
company, who might receive injury from these remarks, 
and therefore deemed it his duty to interfere. Looking 
at the infidel, he said: ^^The book of nature. Sir, that 
you have mentioned, is a large volume ; and he is a very 
learned man that is acquainted with all its contents ; 
yet there is one subject on which I think it gives no 
information.'^ Indeed ! said the infidel : what is 



EEV. ROBEET XE^YTOy, D.D. 423 

that?'' ''What is that?'' rejoined Dr. Xewton : ^'it 
is salvation." '' Salvation ! " answered the infidel. Ay^ 
salvation/' responded the Doctor. ''Every man is sensi- 
ble, from what passes in his own conscience^ that he has 
done wrong ; and that which all people confess to be 
morally wrong everywhere meets onr sight. To do 
wrong renders us liable to punishment ; and therefore 
we need salvation. But where do you find anything 
about salvation in the book of nature ? Do you read it 
in the grass of the fields either when it grows^ or Avhen 
it fades away ? Do you find it in the ever-varying surface 
of the sea ? or in the clouds^ as they pass over your head ? 
The book that you exclusively admire was written too soon 
for the pm'pose of instructing men with respect to the 
nature and method of salvation. It was written before 
there was sin in the worlds and therefore before salvation 
was needed." The infidel stared aghast^ but said not a 
word. An opportunity was thus afforded for calhng 
attention to the value of the Holy Scriptures^ which are 
inspired by God, and are able to make men " wise unto 
salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 

Dr. jSTewton was, indeed, a man of one business, vrho 
might daily and hourly say^ — 

For tliis alone I live below, 
Tlie power of godliness to shoWj 

The wonders wought "by Jesu's name : 
O that I might but faithful prove ! 
Witness to all Thy pardoning love, 

And point them to the' atoning Lamb." 



Howard himself, in his career of humanity, as the 
friend of the friendless prisoner, did not pursue his calh 



424 



LIFE OP THE 



ing with greater singleness of purpose ; ancl^ in this 
respect^ Burke^s eloquent eulogium upon the philan- 
thropist is equally applicable to the Methodist Preacher. 
He travelled through the three kingdoms^ not for amuse- 
ment or pleasure^ but to promote the spiritual good of 
mankind. Por thirty years he was in the habit of visiting 
Ireland^ north and south ; but it does not appear, from 
his correspondence, that he ever went either to the Lakes 
of Killarney, or the Giants^ Causeway. He visited 
London every year at the beginning of May, when the 
productions of art, and attractions of every kind, court 
the attention of the curious; but it does not appear 
that he was known to linger in the metropolis, even a 
single day, for the mere purpose of secular gratification. 
As he travelled through the country, we never find him 
turning out of his way to survey the mansions of the 
nobility and gentry, their rich furniture, their ample 
parks, their sumptuous gardens. The only exception 
that we have found in tracing his history is a solitary 
visit that he paid to the Land^s End one morning, when 
he was in the west of Cornwall, and had no public 
engagement till the afternoon. The fact is, he felt that 

* "He has visited all Europe, — not to survey the sumptuousness of 
palaces, or the stateHness of temples ; not to make accurate measurements 
of the remains of ancient grandeur, nor to form a scale of the cmiosity 
of modern art ; not to collect medals, or collate manuscripts : but to dive 
into the depths of dungeons ; to plunge into the infection of hospitals ; to 
survey the mansions of sorrow and pain ; to take the gauge and dimensions 
of misery, depression, and contempt ; to remember the forgotten, to attend 
to the neglected, to visit the forsaken, to compare and coUate the distresses 
of all men in aU countries. His plan is original ; and it is as full of genius 
as it is of humanity. It was a voyage of discovery ; a circumiiavigation 
of charity." — Burke's Works, vol. iii., p. 422. Edit. 1852. 



REV. ROBEET XEWTOX^ D.D. 



425 



lie was a bearer of the royal message of mercy to guilty 
men^ and tliat ^^the KiiLg''s business requires haste/^ 
When he left his father^'s house to be a Methodist 
Preacher^ he gave up all ' for Christy and from youth to 
age hved only to save souls. Other people might inno- 
cently dh'ect theu' attention to matters of curiosity; but 
he was too much engaged with his Master^s work to 
allow them to occupy his time. 

If the inquiry be made, Had he no faults ? the 
answer is^ that he doubtless had both faults and in&mi- 
ties^ wliich he confessed and lamented before God in 
secret ; but what they were I was never able to discover 
dming an acquaintance of more than half a century ; 
and as they were never reported to me upon any credible 
authority, they cannot be made matter of record in this 
place. A more pure and spotless character I never 
knew ; and his excellencies were so nicely balanced, that 
it is difficult to say which of them preponderated. The 
Methodist Preachers and the Methodist people alike 
loved him as one of the cliief ornaments of then- body j 
for, in honour and dishonour, in youth and in age, at 
home and abroad, in his family and in the church, — 
when four thousand people in Exeter Hall rose up before 
him as a mark of respect, and when, for righteousness^ 
sake, he was assailed by lawless mobs, and an equally 
lawless press, — they found liim to be the same humble, 
modest, single-minded, cheerful, laborious, and upright 
servant of God and man. 

TTe claim not for him the lofty genius of TTatson, 
nor the patient research and varied scholarship of Clarke ; 
but in moral worth he was not inferior to either of those 
great and good men, and in effective eloquence — the 



426 



LIFE OP THE 



eloquence which delights^ imjDresses^ and moves all classes 
of people — he surpassed them both. As a colleague he 
invariably treated his brethren in the ministry with kind- 
ness and respect. His principles of action were well 
understood; his transparent honesty commanded entire 
confidence; and everybody knew how he would act in 
any emergency. He would never betray a trust ; he 
would never be faithless to a friend ; he would never, 
for the sake of expediency, sacrifice righteousness and 
truth. He had no whims, no eccentricities, no singulari- 
ties, no affectation. A true Wesleyan, he was the friend 
of all, and the enemy of none. Prom the pulpit he often 
addressed words of kindness and sympathy to his bre- 
thren upon the free seats ; and it was most gratifying 
to see poor men and women surrounding him when he 
retired from the chapels where he had been preaching, 
requesting a shake of his hand, and telling him of some 
members of their families at distant places, who had been 
converted under his ministry. 

Great was the honour which his Lord put upon him 
at the close of life. His dying consolations and testi- 
mony were in beautiful accordance with his conduct and 
ministry. His powerful intellect suffered no decay ; and 
when his work upon *earth was finished, he at once passed 
to the society of the blessed. 

The character and success of this remarkable man 
suggest lessons of encouragement to the friends of reli- 
gion. Evils of fearful magnitude, and in vast numbers, 
exist both at home and abroad. Infidelity, superstition, 
worldliness, idolatry, and every form of wickedness, still 
prevail, and hold mankind in wretchedness and bondage, 
although the world has been redeemed eighteen hundred 



EEY. EOBEET NEWTON^ D.D. 



427 



years ; and tlie Gospel, during this long period, has 
been in the hands of the clmrcli, as the grand means 
of the world^s conversion. Yet there is no ground for 
despair. 

The great Shepherd reigns, 

And His uusuffering kijigdom jet come.'^ 

The resources of Omnipotence are inexhaustible. He 
who raised up Eobert Newton can raise up ten thousand 
men equally gifted, and equally zealous, laborious, self- 
denying, pure, and single-minded, and send them forth 
to accomplish the great work of the world^s emancipation 
from sin and misery. Then let all who are on the Lord^s 
side unite in the prayer : Come forth out of Thy royal 
chambers, 0 Prince of all the Kings of the earth ; put 
on the \dsible robes of Thy imperial Majesty; take up 
that unlimited sceptre which Thy Almighty Father hath 
bequeathed Thee : for now the voice of Thy bride calls 
Thee, and all creatures sigh to be renewed.^^ 



* Milton. 



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7 



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LIBRARY OF CHRISTIAN BIOGRAPHY. 

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8 



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I HOOLE, E.— A PEESONAL NAEEATIVE OF A MISSION TO ] 

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.1. MAOEFIELO, 

■ROOKBTXDER, 
Myrtie-atrvet, 



